Assessing the quality of untraditional water sources for irrigation purposes in Al-Qalubiya Governorate, Egypt

Limited freshwater coupled with the ever-growing population has forced the farmers in Egypt to reuse untraditional water sources for irrigation purposes. However, a precise evaluation of such water quality is necessary to avoid potential risks. The current work aimed at verifying the potentiality of reusing agricultural drainage water (ADW) and mixed wastewater (MWW) for irrigation in Al-Qalubiya Governorate. The study based on the considerations set by FAO 29 and 47 guidelines besides the Egyptian code of practice (ECP 501/2015) for wastewater reuse for irrigation. Twenty water samples were collected along Sindwa drain (agricultural drainage water) and Shibin El-Qanater drain (mixed wastewater), ten samples from each. Another ten samples of the Nile freshwater (NFW) were collected nearby the previously water samples from El-Sharaqua canal. The three different locations of sample collection sites showed variable ranges of pH, dissolved and suspended solids, soluble ions, and trace elements. However, they were generally lower than the maximum allowable limits set by FAO guidelines and ECP 501/2015, except NO3– and Mn in the ADW. On the other hand, the fecal coliforms in the ADW and MWW were beyond the safe limits. Based on the ECP 501/2015 the NFW is recommended for irrigating crops of Group B (e.g. dry cereal crops and cooked and processed vegetables, fruit crops and medicinal plants), while the ADW and MWW are recommended for crops of Group D (e.g. bio-charcoal crops, bio-diesel fuel crops, cellulose production crops, and timber trees).