Assessment of Impact Sewage Effluents on the Coastal Water Quality Around the Mouth of Wadi Gaza (Gaza and Middle Governorates, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

Abstract

Gaza Strip is a narrow coastal region locates at the southeastern coastal plain of Mediterranean Sea. Along the beach of the Gaza Strip eight sewage stations are observed in addition to mouth of Wadi Gaza, which are pumping untreated sewage into the seawater. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of the wastewater disposal and pollutant sources along the study area, focusing around the mouth of Wadi Gaza. This study is carried out along the beach of Gaza and Middle Governorates. Sampling has done at 36 stations along three lines survey extending from SW to NE, these lines locate at distance 100 m; 200 m; and 350 m respectively in the sea. The results of geochemical analysis show variations in physico-chemical parameters: pH; electrical conductivity (EC); total suspended solids (TSS); total dissolved solids (TDS); nitrates; chlorides; calcium; sodium; and potassium. The results reveal that the pollution had significantly higher level round the raw sewage discharge points and decrease towards north direction and significantly decrease at distance greater than 200 m in the sea.

Keywords: sewage, seawater, pollution, Wadi Gaza, Gaza beach, Palestine