A physicochemical characterization of the waters of the El‐Kabir River and major tributaries in Syria and Lebanon

Abstract

Thirty-nine sampling sites were selected in the El-Kabir River watershed, including 18 in Syria and 21 in Lebanon. Three major tributaries, the Nahr al-Arous and the Nahr Nasrive in Syria, and the Chadra River in Lebanon, were included in the site selection, together with Wadi el-Aatchane and Wadi Khaled. Instrumental measurements for temperature, specific conductivity (Sp. Cond.), dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH were taken directly in the water at each site visit. Measurements were taken in both countries . The interpretation of the data led to some specific conclusions on the conditions in the watershed. The waters of the El-Kabir River are derived almost exclusively from ground water, with many significant springs functioning throughout the year. The water that flows rapidly through the system is well-mixed and consistent in its major characteristics. The DO concentration > 5 mg L −1 , averaging 8.53 mg L −1 (three DO values < 5 mg L −1 were observed, all at the same spring). Some variability in water character was observed for Sp. Cond.; these differences could be related to the spring-source waters originating in limestone or basaltic terrain. Furthermore, an increase in Sp. Cond. in the lower reaches of the river might be related to salinization, resulting from surface water and near-surface ground water withdrawals for anthropogenic use, particularly irrigation.

Geochemistry of the sediments of the El‐Kabir River and Akkar watershed in Syria and Lebanon

“…However, values measured in the downstream section in the coastal plain can be considered as somewhat elevated. The increase in the Na 2 O concentration is somewhat confirmed by the increasing specific conductivity of the waters of the coastal plain, as discussed by Thomas et al . (2005) and Halwani and Hamze (1998).…”

Chemical and Physical Quality Criteria of Bulakbaşı Stream in Turkey and Usage of Drinking, Fisheries, and Irrigation

“…DO value of this study was 12.91 mg/L and OS was 152.80%. DO and OS values, in Akköprü stream 8.2 mg/L and 98.8% [16], in Karasu stream 10.03 mg/L and 119.4% [17], in Nazik Lake from 1.0 to 13.2 mg/L [15], in Sakegaon River 6.5-8.2 mg/L [18], in Yuvarlakçay stream 5.5-14.4 mg/L [19], in Kelkit stream 7.68-9.90 mg/L [20], in Bhavani River 6.56-12.0 mg/L [21], in Sarada River 7.0-7.8 mg/L [22], in El-Kabir River 7.1 mg/L [23], in Cauvery River 1.34-5.5 mg/L [24], in Kosi River 6.2-6.8 mg/L [25], in Semenyih River 4.18-7.44 [1], and in Nainital Lake 5.77-8.2 mg/L [26], were reported. Bulakbaşı stream is in the first-class water with regard to WPRC [10].…”

Bacterial indicators of faecal pollution in the waters of the El‐Kabir River and Akkar watershed in Syria and Lebanon

“…The 41 sampling sites in this study are the same as those used to physically characterize the watershed waters and to assess their nutrient levels (Thomas et al . 2005; Hassan et al .…”