Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Water in the Lower Litani Basin, Lebanon

Nada Nehme (1) , Chaden Haydar (1) , Bachar Koubaissy (1) , Mohamad Fakih (1) , Sadek Awad (1) , Joumana Toufaily (2, 1) , Frédéric Villiéras (3) , Tayssir Hamieh (1)

1 LU / ULB - الجامعة اللبنانية [بيروت] = Lebanese University [Beirut] = Université libanaise [Beyrouth]
2 Sch Mech & Mat Engn, Pullman, WA 99164 USA
3 LIEC - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux

The physicochemical characteristics of water in the Lower Litani River Basin (LLRB) were evaluated. It concerns with analyzing six representatives sites which are investigated over three seasons of the year 2011. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to interpret the elemental concentrations in the river water. Many variables were evaluated, especially the components or metals Fe, NO2-, CaCO3, Cu. Three groups were identified and differentiated by PCA according to the seasons. The first group is rich in Fe and NO2, and low in NH4 and EC (in the mid rainy season). The second group formed in dry season and the third group with low concentration of K+, PO43- and Cl- (in mid rainy). However, no critical pollution has been reported in this part of the river; except the high concentration of Fe and NO2 - in all investigated sites due to the reject of wastewater and touristic activities.

Domaines: Biodiversité et Ecologie; Interfaces continentales, environnement; Sciences agricoles

Nada Nehme, Chaden Haydar, Bachar Koubaissy, Mohamad Fakih, Sadek Awad, et al.. Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics of Water in the Lower Litani Basin, Lebanon. Elixir International Journal, 2013, Aquaculture, 62, pp.17478-17484. ⟨hal-01121433⟩