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Impact of Climate Change on Water Quality (Case Study of Lake Qarun in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt)
Lake Qarun is classified as an endorheic body of water, signifying that it lacks a direct hydrological connection to the ocean. Its surface area encompasses approximately 55,000 feddan. The governmental authority is actively engaged in initiatives aimed at augmenting and enhancing its operational productivity. The ichthyic production sector is not insulated from the adverse effects of climate change, as evidenced by the detrimental influence of escalating carbon dioxide concentrations on the natural growth and reproductive cycles of fish, the repercussions of elevated temperatures on aquatic food webs and the periodicity of biological phenomena, as well as the consequences of water contamination in northern lakes, which is attributable to effluent from sewage, agricultural practices, and industrial discharge, ultimately leading to a decline in fish populations due to the migration of certain species. Furthermore, there is an increased susceptibility of fish to disease as a consequence of pollution, fluctuating temperatures, and reduced oxygen availability, alongside alterations in spawning periods due to rising temperatures, escalating organic waste, and thermal stress, which collectively impact the production of fish feed and contribute to a rise in associated costs. Consequently, the surveillance and assessment of water quality in freshwater lakes, such as Lake Qarun in Egypt, is imperative, given that it serves as a vital resource for human consumption, wildlife, and aquatic organisms. This research primarily sought to investigate the economic and social ramifications of climate change, to elucidate the challenges encountered by fishermen from their perspective, and to quantify the standard effect of these challenges on overall revenue, ultimately aiming to formulate a proactive strategy to adapt to prospective climate change. The findings of the investigation revealed that the water quality index scores exhibited fluctuations throughout the period from 2012 to 2021; however, all scores remained within the second category of the water quality index classification, thereby categorizing the waters of Lake Qarun as conducive to supporting aquatic life. Regarding the mineral index, it was determined that the lake is experiencing mineral pollution, as the index value surpassed one. The investigation put forth several recommendations aimed at enhancing the fishing sector in Lake Qarun, while simultaneously prioritizing environmental preservation, advancing sustainable development, alleviating the repercussions of climate change, and adapting to its effects, thereby ensuring ongoing productivity and achieving food security, in alignment with various objectives outlined in both the United Nations Sustainable Development Strategy and Egypt's Vision 2030.
Key Words: Climate change, Lake Qarun, water quality