Algal massive growth in relation to water quality and salinity at Damietta, north of Egypt.

Objective: To relate the proliferation and dominance of certain algal species at the Damietta

and its relation to water quality.

Methods: Water and algal biomass were bimonthly sampled from five selected sites at

Damietta Province, Egypt during 2012. Algae were identified and quantified. Waters, algae and

sediment were analyzed. 

Results: The physicochemical properties of water showed limited seasonal but substantial

local variation. The high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus and turbidity of water pointed to

marked eutrophication, which could enhance massive algal growth. The temporal fluctuation

in temperature, exposure to industrial and domestic sewage and salinity results in succession

between blooming algal species. Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris alternated in a

moderately saline water and Oscillatoria agardhii and Mougeotia scalaris in a fresh water

body during summer and winter respectively. Likewise, Microcystis aureginosa and Ulva

lactuca alternated in a moderately saline site during autumn and summer respectively.

Cladophora albida dominated a fish pond of brackish water and Dunaliella salina dominated

the most saline water over the whole period of study.

Conclusions: Growth of the predominant algal species is correlated to water quality. These

species are of considerable nutritive value, with moderate contents of protein, carbohydrate,

macronutrients and micronutrients, which evaluates them for usage as food (green and

macroalgae), fodder or bio-fertilizer (cyanophytes).

KEYWORDS

Algal growth, Water quality, Sediment, North Damietta, Egypt, Waste water treatment, Algal

succession