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Evaluation of Water Quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir, Lebanon: Suitability for Multipurpose Usage

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 77, pages 11–30 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a resultof: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, agriculturalactivities and development of industries is, according to the national authorities, a major critical factor by the year 2010.Political difficulties in earlier years imply a dearth of pertinent data. The objective of this study was to evaluate water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir of the Litani River andassess its feasibility for multi-purpose usage as one of the solutions to the aggravated water problems in Lebanon. Sampleswere collected from 18 sampling sites at several dates duringthe dry season. Parameters analysed were, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, TH, Cl-, SO4 2-, NH3, NO3 -,PO4 3-, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Cr, Cu and As. The reported data were in compliancewith WHO guidelines, USEPA regulation and EEC directives. Statistical analysis of the data defined three distinct environmental zones and water quality in the central, main zone satisfied most criteria. It is concluded that the reservoir water is fit for multipurpose uses, namely, drinking, domestic,recreational activities, irrigation, fisheries, livestock and industrial, and should be properly managed accordingly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Mey Jurdi

  2. Natural Science Division, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon

    Samira Ibrahim Korfali

  3. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Lebanon

    Yester Karahagopian

  4. Department of Geological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, U.S.A

    Brian E. Davies

Authors
  1. Mey Jurdi
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  2. Samira Ibrahim Korfali
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  3. Yester Karahagopian
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  4. Brian E. Davies
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Correspondence to Mey Jurdi.

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Jurdi, M., Ibrahim Korfali, S., Karahagopian, Y. et al. Evaluation of Water Quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir, Lebanon: Suitability for Multipurpose Usage. Environ Monit Assess 77, 11–30 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015781930601

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