Nafae, E. (2025). Aquatic Hydrophytes Biodiversity in Delta Wetlands, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 29(3), 791-814. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.428024
EL-Sayed Nafae. "Aquatic Hydrophytes Biodiversity in Delta Wetlands, Egypt". Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 29, 3, 2025, 791-814. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.428024
Nafae, E. (2025). 'Aquatic Hydrophytes Biodiversity in Delta Wetlands, Egypt', Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 29(3), pp. 791-814. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.428024
Nafae, E. Aquatic Hydrophytes Biodiversity in Delta Wetlands, Egypt. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, 2025; 29(3): 791-814. doi: 10.21608/ejabf.2025.428024
Aquatic Hydrophytes Biodiversity in Delta Wetlands, Egypt
The main objective of this study was to shed light on the diversity of aquatic plants in the North Delta wetlands of Egypt—specifically Manzala, Burullus, and Idku—in alignment with Egypt's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To achieve this, 45 sites were selected (15 sites in each wetland) to study the physico-chemical characteristics of water and sediment, as well as the composition of hydrophytic vegetation. Water depth averaged 82cm in Manzala, 99.4cm in Burullus, and 76.4cm in Idku. The pH values ranged from 7.3 to 9.2, electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.6 to 29.6g/ L, and total dissolved solids (TDS) varied between 0.3 and 14.6mg/ L. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 2.6 to 9.6mg/ L, while biological oxygen demand (BOD) values were between 1.2 and 8.2mg/ L. The highest recorded silica concentration was 93 µg/L, and the maximum phosphorus content was 43 µg/L. Regarding sediment composition, total carbon ranged from 0.8 to 11.3%, total nitrogen reached a maximum of 95 µg/g dry weight, and total phosphorus peaked at 13µg/ g dry weight. The flora of the study area was found to comprise 26 species of hydrophytes, including 4 submerged, 8 floating, and 14 emergent species. These macrophytes play an essential role in monitoring water and sediment pollution and contribute to the sustainable management of these wetland ecosystems. Notably, Pistia stratiotes was found exclusively in the Manzala wetland.