PCB levels in surface and waste waters in Egypt

Samples of surface water from the River Nile, Ismailia and El-Mahmodia Canals, and waste waters from eight plants were collected and analysed for determination of PCB levels. The mean concentrations of PCBs in River Nile, Ismailia Canal, El-Mahmodia Canal, and waste waters were 24 plus or minus 14, 39 plus or minus 18, and 170 plus or minus 150 ng/L, respectively. The waste waters discharged from industrial plants were found to increase the levels of PCBs in surface waters. The concentrations of PCBs in the River Nile and two canals are within the range found in the Hudson, Avon, and Frome rivers, and for the northern Mississippi area.