Seasonal Variation of Algae Types, Counts and Their Effect on Purified Water Quality Case Study: Al-Mogran and Burri Plants, Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to study the seasonal variations of algae types, counts and their effects on the quality of purified water in Al-Mogran and Burri plants in Khartoum State, Sudan, during the year 2011. In the last few years the increase of algae bloom in the Nile made big complaints from consumers and researchers in addition to their effects on the steps of water purification at Al-Mogran and Burri plants. The research methodologies consisted mainly of laboratory analysis. All the laboratory works were conducted at the central laboratories of Khartoum State Water Corporation (KSWC). Around 197 and 193 water samples were taken from the purified water at Al-Mogran and Burri plants respectively. Algae type, counts and species identification in addition to the physiochemical parameters (pH, Total Alkalinity, Turbidity) were conducted according to the Standard Methods of Examination of Water and Waste Water. The results of algae types, counts of the samples collected from both plants (Al-Mogran and Burri) showed seasonal variations. At Al-Mogran plant the green algae were dominating in the summer and autumn seasons, while the blue green registered the highest count in winter season and diatoms appear mostly in autumn. At Burri plant the green algae and blue green were registered the highest count in summer season and the winter season for the diatoms. The green algae also showed high count in rainy season comparing with other types. With respect to physiological parameters results, the highest turbidity value was noticed in autumn, pH and T. Alkalinity in summer for both plants. The study concluded that there was a seasonal variation of algae types, counts and that mostly depending on the pH value, clarity of water, sun light transmission, amount of nutrients and the nature of water. Also the algae distribution patterns were remained similar since 1970 but the quantity of algae increased