Lake Manzala
Lake Manzala is coastal lake in Egypt. It has been under scrutiny due to environmental changes driven by dredging. Recent studies reveal that dredging has altered the lake’s salinity and nutrient levels. This has had a deep effect on the local ecosystem, particularly zooplankton communities.
Background and Importance of Lake Manzala
Lake Manzala is located in northern Egypt, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. It plays important role in protecting coastal cities from flooding. The lake also supports biodiversity and contributes to Egypt’s fish production. In 2021, it accounted for 16% of the nation’s natural fish output. However, the lake has faced reductions in size and water quality over the years.
Dredging Activities and Their Impact
From 2016 to 2022, dredging was implemented to enhance the lake’s capacity. This involved removing pollutant-rich sediments and aquatic vegetation. The capacity of Lake Manzala increased by 138% during this period. However, this process also raised concerns about long-term ecological stability.
Changes in Water Quality
The study brought into light a marked increase in salinity and changes in transparency levels. Salinity rose by 73% from 2015 to 2022. The transparency of the water improved, but the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels remained problematic, particularly in areas receiving untreated wastewater.
Zooplankton Community
The dredging process has altered the zooplankton community. Freshwater species have declined, while saline species have increased. The number of saline species grew from seven in 2015 to twelve in 2022. This shift indicates a changing ecological balance within the lake.
Pollution Sources
Lake Manzala receives substantial pollution from agricultural runoff and untreated sewage. Approximately 98% of the lake’s annual inflow consists of wastewater. This pollution has led to a decline in fish production, affecting local livelihoods. Fish production decreased by 20% between 2012 and 2015.
Government Initiatives
In response to environmental degradation, the Egyptian government initiated a project to clean Lake Manzala. This includes the construction of a large wastewater treatment plant. The aim is to reduce pollution and restore the lake’s ecological balance.
Critiques of Dredging as a Solution
Experts argue that dredging may not be a sustainable solution for lake restoration. While it removes pollutants temporarily, it can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem. Some scientists advocate for pollution control at the source as a more effective long-term strategy.
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