Spatial quality improvement of a toxic industrial effluent, based on physico-chemistry, algal community changes and algal bioassay

Abstract

Spatial recovery of a highly alkaline and ammonia-rich industrial effluent was assessed along a wastewater receiving drain near Mansoura City in 2006. Spatial changes in physico-chemical characteristics and water quality index indicated a progressive downstream improvement of wastewater quality, and EC50 values revealed a downstream reduction in effluent toxicity. The diversity index and biomass development of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata alga gave qualities congruent with those revealed by the physico-chemical characteristics.

Keywords:

• ammonia toxicity
• indicator species
• periphyton
• phytoplankton indices