Monitoring of Nitrification Process Occurrence in Aquatic Systems Linked to Water Quality Index

Raw water resources in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate which are intended to be used as drinking water resources are affected by many contaminants due to municipal, industrial wastewater and agricultural drains; particularly during winter season and low demand period of Nile River. In this study; raw water samples which were collected seasonally over one year (2013-2014) from selected sampling sites on the seven main canals in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate were tested and studied for monitoring nitrification process occurrence and studying its relationship with water quality index of these resources. The main results of the study indicated that the activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria increased mainly during winter season reflecting the effect of low demand period of Nile River and the increase of pollutants during this period. This study also discussed nitrification as a biological process for ammonia removal proposing an infield solution of ammonia increase in water; monitored seasonal variations of AOB communities in raw water resources and proved that AOB activity increased in winter season due to elevated concentrations of ammonia in water.