Assessment of the surface water quality of the Kadicha River

The Kadicha River in northern Lebanon is influenced mainly by urban, agricultural and industrial activities. The wastewaters are discharged directly into the watershed with absence of wastewater treatment plant. Thus 12 sampling sites were selected and surface water samples were collected during 2 seasons (wet and dry). The physic-chemical indicators of pollution were determined: pH, temperature, Electrical Conductivity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and suspended particles. Total and thermotolerant coliforms, and faecal streptococci were analysed using standard methods of membrane filtration. The physico-chemical parameters indicate spatial variation influenced by anthropogenic activities. Based on the system of assessment of the quality of coastal waters (SEQ-Water), it appears that the water of the 2 subcatchments of the river has a very good quality for the studied parameters. However, the results of the bacteriological analysis indicate faecal contamination that exceeds the standards for recreational water use and for irrigation with health risks to human health especially within the coastal plain of the river. An increase in the levels of these microorganisms was observed after the year 2006, probably related to the increase in anthropogenic activities and the demographic growth during the last decade.