Assessment of water quality in Alamein Marina Recreational Lagoon.

BACKGROUND: Alamein Marina Lagoon is one of six lagoons, lying on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast. Between 1988 and 1995, a large-scale recreational compound called Alamein Marina Touristic Village was established to contain most of these lakes. The study aims to assess the quality of Alamein Marina Lagoon water in an attempt to evaluate the environmental impact of the touristic summer activities on the lake and to determine at what level this recreational lagoon stands as a healthy resort, among the other resorts around the Mediterranean Sea Basin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen sampling stations were chosen to present the four sub-basins of the lagoon and its outlets on the Mediterranean Sea. Physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of the lagoon water were determined. RESULTS: Lagoon water pH was found to range between 6.8 and 7.9. Dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates and phosphates were 6.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 0.5 μg/L, and 3.8 μg/L respectively. Fecal coliform were not detected in all sampling stations. CONCLUSION: Alamein Marina water characteristics were complying with the standards set by Egyptian legislations concerning recreational water all over the study period. They were also complying with the levels set by different international organizations such as the WHO and Blue Flag. Besides, by calculating the water quality index for Alamein Marina Lagoon and its four sub-basins, water was found to be of an 'excellent' quality.