Spatial and Temporal Variations in Water Quality along the Coast of Gaza Strip

Abstract

This study describes the results of monthly sampling of physico-chemical parameters and faecal indicators at five monitoring stations on the Gaza coast over a seven-month period in 2007. The results show spatial and temporal variations in physico-chemical parameters (pH, water temperature, salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen) and faecal indicators (faecal coliform and faecal enterococci) that appeared linked with the problems of raw sewage discharge and storm water runoff.

Analysis of variance confirmed that stations close to the raw sewage discharge points had significantly higher faecal coliform and faecal enterococci levels than stations free from any sewage discharge. The data indicates high microbiological contamination of seawater above internationally accepted limits, especially at stations close to sewage outlets. Salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen levels also varied significantly, also under thee influence of sewage and storm runoff.

Keywords: physico-chemical parameters; faecal bacteria; Seawater quality; Gaza Strip