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Fasciolosis is a zoonotic neglected parasitic disease that affects a variety of hosts, resulting in substantial economic losses. The epidemiological information about fasciolosis in water buffaloes in Egypt is very scarce. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of F. hepatica in water buffaloes using commercial ELISA kits in three governorates at north of Egypt and to estimate the associated risk factors for F. hepatica infection. The total seroprevalence of F. hepatica in buffaloes was 15.4% (63/410), with a higher seroprevalence in Kafr Elsheikh governorates 17.9% (25/140) than in other areas. Fasciolosis was more likely in older buffaloes (OR = 3.4, 95%CI:1.5–7.8), throughout the winter season (OR = 5.3, 95%CI:1.9–14.7). Moreover, the absence of prophylactic treatment (OR = 2.3, 95%CI:1.2–4.2) increased the risk of F. hepatica infection in buffaloes, particularly in animals suffered from diarrhea (OR = 3.8, 95%CI:1.4–10.6). The present study confirmed the prevalence of F. hepatica in water buffaloes in north of Egypt. Consequently, the implementation of preventive and control for the parasite and its intermediate host are very necessary to decrease the economic losses and public health hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the North Nile Delta, over-planting paddy fields by upstream farmers results in low canal water levels downstream during the daytime, and downstream farmers frequently cannot pump water. Consequently, downstream farmers' night irrigation has become more frequent. This study investigated daytime and nighttime irrigation practices and how they differed between upstream, midstream, and downstream tertiary canals along a selected branch canal in the Northern Nile Delta of Egypt. A scenario was developed to determine the area that could be irrigated during the daytime by comparison of actual (varied pumps' discharge capacities) and controlled pumps' discharge capacities (216 m3 h−1 and 324 m3 h−1) between all locations. Canal water levels and pump operation hours were monitored in 2013 and 2014. The period from 06:00 PM to 06:00 AM EST (Egypt Standard Time) is considered nighttime and others are daytime. Results showed that downstream received more than 30% of the total water supply during the nighttime, while upstream received 13%. Further, some upstream farmers received 6% at night during the peak water demand in July. Consequently, the nighttime irrigation days upstream were less than downstream by 11 and 20 days each year, respectively. The numbers of irrigation events downstream from 12:00 AM to 03:00 AM EST were more than upstream by eight and seven events each year, respectively. Under the conditions of controlled pumps' discharge capacities, downstream farmers could irrigate 41% and 46% of the total irrigated area during the daytime rather than 28% and 32% under the actual conditions each year, respectively. Eventually, controlling pumps' discharge capacities between locations could achieve equity of water distributions in terms of time and water volume during the daytime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the composition, distribution, and origins of rare, Noble, and fissionable elements for the first time in black sand deposits from the Northern Delta coastal region. The findings showed that among the elements under investigation, Fe, Ti, Mn, and Sn had the greatest mean levels, while Hf, Cd, and As had the lowest mean amounts. According to the study's elemental composition, black sand is thought to have economic worth for Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn, Ag, and W. The Zr, Co, Cd, Cu, Hf, V, W, and Zn correlation points to the same source origin. It is clear that the accessory mineral composition in the sediments under study especially the heavy ones controls the geochemical patterns of trace elements. The trace element concentrations of interest show a pattern of element variability related to the mineralogy of the sands, as indicated by the principal component analysis and cluster analysis. To explore and exploit heavy minerals in the research region, the study's findings are important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to numerous water- and data-scarce regions, Egypt confronts a critical challenge in sustaining food production for its rapidly growing population. Consequently, the country's water and land resources are under considerable stress and require careful management. About half of Egypt's both annually harvested areas and renewable freshwater are allocated for cultivating rice, maize, wheat, and berseem clover. However, the extent to which crop production might be improved and how this would impact future water and land requirements remains poorly understood. We analyzed potential improvements in the production of these crops and quantified their future water and land requirements under different scenarios. Potential improvements were detected through percentile analysis in three remote sensing-derived performance indicators for each crop in the Nile Delta's Zankalon region: (i) crop yield, (ii) crop water productivity, and (iii) transpiration fraction (transpiration to actual evapotranspiration, T/AET). We applied detected improvementsto construct plausible scenarios for Egypt's water and land requirements to sustain domestic crop production until 2050. Our findings indicate limited potential to improve T/AET (< 4%). However, improvements of up to 27% for crop yields and up to 14% for water productivity are possible. To meet the production targets by 2050, national production must increase by 128, 78, 69, and 71% above the 2016–2020's average for rice, maize, wheat, and berseem, respectively. Depending on the improvement levels in the developed scenarios, a total harvested land area between 5.3 and 6.4 million ha will be required by 2050, with 18% allocated to rice, 28% to maize, 36% to wheat, and 18% to berseem. Associated freshwater requirements will amount to 59–68 billion cubic meters, divided into 23% for rice, 34% for maize, 28% for wheat, and 15% for berseem. Interventions increasing yields and water productivity will benefit more the summer (rice and maize) than the winter crops (wheat and berseem). We discuss likely interventions for meeting these requirements and for sustaining the supply of these crops in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study examined the composition, distribution, and origins of rare, Noble, and fissionable elements for the first time in black sand deposits from the Northern Delta coastal region. The findings showed that among the elements under investigation, Fe, Ti, Mn, and Sn had the greatest mean levels, while Hf, Cd, and As had the lowest mean amounts. According to the study's elemental composition, black sand is thought to have economic worth for Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn, Ag, and W. The Zr, Co, Cd, Cu, Hf, V, W, and Zn correlation points to the same source origin. It is clear that the accessory mineral composition in the sediments under study especially the heavy ones controls the geochemical patterns of trace elements. The trace element concentrations of interest show a pattern of element variability related to the mineralogy of the sands, as indicated by the principal component analysis and cluster analysis. To explore and exploit heavy minerals in the research region, the study's findings are important.

Nile Delta has been historically targeted for various types of human activities since the Pharaohs’ era due to abundance of its natural resources. The increasing land subsidence in the northern delta is a significant concern for the Egyptian government. Moreover, the cumulative subsidence coupled with the scenarios of sea level rise worsens the situation. In the present work, we utilize SNAPPING service on the Geohazards Exploitation Platform (GEP) to measure the spatial and temporal trends, as well as the extent of subsidence in urban areas within the Nile Delta. The study analyzed the period between 2015 and 2020 using 225 Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar imagery using the Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) technique and reported surface motion with an average of −5 mm/year in the Nile Delta surface. Subsidence is relatively higher in the eastern part with more patterns specific to particular regions. The northern part recorded subsidence ranged from 0 to 7 mm/year. High rates of subsidence up to 17 mm/year localized in locations of Port Said, Damietta, Ad Dakahlia and Al Sharkia governorates and around Manzala Lake. On the other side, medium uplift rates up to 6 mm/year concentrated around Bardaweel Lake, Parts of Ismailia governorate and Baltim city. On-site visual inspections in these areas documented tilting in buildings and clear cracks which confirm the impact of land subsidence on the structural integrity of the buildings. The GEP platform and the SNAPPING service demonstrated the capability of cloud-based solutions to provide precise surface motion information within a short time.

A study was conducted on 31 surface sediments located in different sectors of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The sediments were analyzed for their pollution levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The sediments were collected from various depths in harbors, coastal lakes, bays, and lagoons, covering the southeastern Mediterranean of the Nile Delta region. The study aimed at determining the distribution, origin, and potential ecological impact of OCP and PCB pollutants. The researchers used the SRM method of GC‐MS/MS to measure the concentration of 18 PCBs and 16 OCPs residues. The study found that the total concentration of OCPs in the samples ranged from 3.091 to 20.512 ng/g, with a mean of 8.749 ± 3.677 ng/g. The total concentration of PCB residues ranged from 2.926 to 20.77 ng/g, with a mean of 5.68 ± 3.282 ng/g. The concentration of DDTs exceeded the effect range low (ERL) (1.00) and threshold effect level (TEL) (1.19) in several stations, but it was still below the effect range median (ERM) (7.00) and the probable effect level (PEL) (4.77). This indicates a low ecological risk. The principal component analysis (PCA) was also conducted to determine the sources of all pollutants in the sediment. The PCA showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Gama‐HCH and Beta‐HCH (0.741), suggesting similar sources. Practitioner Points: OCPs and PCBs residues were analyzed in the sediment of the southeastern Mediterranean.The concentration, existence, and causes of OCPs and PCBs were investigated.OCPs and PCBs ecological risk and ecotoxicological calculation were investigated in detail.Cluster analysis, PCA, and correlation coefficient were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on assessing surface water quality in the northwest part of the Egyptian Nile Delta (El-Menoufia Governorate) and evaluated water suitability for irrigation purposes using the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), Permeability Index (PI), Wilcox, United State Salinity (USSL) diagram, and Piper trilinear diagrams categories, taking into consideration various water quality parameters. The results showed that, based on the IWQI, most of the water samples (61.8%) in the investigated area fell under the no restriction water (NR) category. Furthermore, the Wilcox diagram demonstrated that most of the investigated water samples (93.6%) are categorized as doubtful water; this shows that those samples have a higher sodium content material. According to the USSL diagram, most of the water samples (70.9%) fell into the high salinity (C) and moderate sodium (S) content (C3S2) class. According to the PI index, 8.2% of the tested water samples fell into class II (suitable for irrigation) and 91.8% fell into class III (unsuitable for irrigation). Based on the Piper trilinear, the water type is Na-Cl-HCO3. According to these results, most of the water samples require more water regulations, are categorized as doubtful water that causes plants' augmentation sensitivity if used for irrigation, and fell into the high salinity (EC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) magnitude, which might have negative outcomes on soil and plant health if used for irrigation, have extensive obstacles, and are improper for irrigation. Therefore, proper management practices and treatments may be vital to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and SAR on soil and plant health in this study area. Therefore, addressing water deficiency and quality in Egypt's northwest Nile delta is crucial for suitable irrigation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nile Delta has been historically targeted for various types of human activities since the Pharaohs' era due to abundance of its natural resources. The increasing land subsidence in the northern delta is a significant concern for the Egyptian government. Moreover, the cumulative subsidence coupled with the scenarios of sea level rise worsens the situation. In the present work, we utilize SNAPPING service on the Geohazards Exploitation Platform (GEP) to measure the spatial and temporal trends, as well as the extent of subsidence in urban areas within the Nile Delta. The study analyzed the period between 2015 and 2020 using 225 Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar imagery using the Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) technique and reported surface motion with an average of −5 mm/year in the Nile Delta surface. Subsidence is relatively higher in the eastern part with more patterns specific to particular regions. The northern part recorded subsidence ranged from 0 to 7 mm/year. High rates of subsidence up to 17 mm/year localized in locations of Port Said, Damietta, Ad Dakahlia and Al Sharkia governorates and around Manzala Lake. On the other side, medium uplift rates up to 6 mm/year concentrated around Bardaweel Lake, Parts of Ismailia governorate and Baltim city. On-site visual inspections in these areas documented tilting in buildings and clear cracks which confirm the impact of land subsidence on the structural integrity of the buildings. The GEP platform and the SNAPPING service demonstrated the capability of cloud-based solutions to provide precise surface motion information within a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface freshwater systems globally face severe stresses due to overpopulation and associated waste. The Ismailia Canal, a crucial freshwater source in the eastern Nile Delta, Egypt, serves multiple purposes and is endangered by various environmental activities. This study characterizes the canal’s water using physicochemical parameters to evaluate its suitability for different uses. Water samples were collected twice in winter and summer seasons of the year 2018 from eight sites distributed along the course of Ismailia Canal. A comprehensive chemical analysis of the samples was carried out. Water chemistry was graphically and statistically assessed. Water qualities were evaluated using WHO guidelines, water quality index (WQI), Pollution indices of metals (PIm) and long- and short-term effect of trace elements on irrigation. Results show that the water is slightly alkaline and moderately hard, with higher salinity in winter than summer. Major cations and anions are higher in winter, whereas NO₃ is higher in summer. The canal water is primarily of the Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type, influenced mainly by rock-water interactions. While most physicochemical parameters meet drinking water standards, Al, Sb, As, Cd, Fe, Pb, and Tl exceed limits, with significant impacts from Al and Tl year-round, and seasonal impacts from As, Pb, Cd, and Fe. For irrigation, water quality is generally unaffected in winter, but Mo and Se have slight impacts in summer for long-term use. This research is vital for informing sustainable water management practices, which are crucial for Egypt’s research initiatives, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.

Abstract The River Nile is the artery of Egypt, as it presents more than 96% of the municipal, industrial, and irrigation necessities of Egypt. This study was dedicated to providing data about the effect of pollution at six stations on the River Nile at the Rosetta branch during the period from August 2019 to April 2020, using heavy metals analysis and zooplankton as biological indicators. It was found that the average of heavy metals concentration follows the descending order Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co. Most of the heavy metals recorded its highest values at El-Rahawy station. Zooplankton community was represented by 32 species in addition to 4 Meroplanktons. Five groups of zooplankton were recorded, viz. Rotifera (1717 org./L), Protozoa (552 org./L), Cladocera (54 org./L), Nematoda (46 org./L), and other Meroplankton (44 org./L), dominated by Rotifera followed by Protozoa, Cladocera, Nematoda, and other Meroplanktons contributing 71%, 23%, 2%, 2%, and 2%, respectively. The highest average density of total zooplankton was recorded during spring while the lowest was recorded during summer. The highest similarity of (79.12%) was observed between (Site 1) and (Site 5). Almost all diversity indices were conducted and showed its highest values in site 6. The principal component analysis conducted between heavy metals, and zooplankton showed a significant negative correlation was shown for the dominant zooplankton with the heavy metals except with cobalt. Nematoda and the rotifer Brachionus angularis recorded a positive correlation with heavy metals except cobalt.

The spread of superbugs in dairy products can jeopardize global public health. To date, information on the incidence rates of virulent and β-lactams-resistant (BLR) Salmonella in cheeses from rural areas of Egypt has been lacking. Biochemical, serological, antibiotic susceptibility, and multiplex PCR (M-PCR) tests were performed to identify and characterize Salmonella isolates. In this study, 44 (15.71%) Salmonella isolates of eight different serotypes were recovered from 280 samples of Rumi and pasteurized Kariesh cheeses across the Nile Delta region of Egypt. The most predominant serotypes were S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Infantis. The virulence genes (invA, stn, and hilA) were identified in all isolates. However, spvC was only detected in S. Typhimurium. The highest resistance was developed against Erythromycin and Clindamycin (90.91%), followed by Ceftazidime and Cephalothin (84.09%). Meropenem and colistin were the most effective antibiotics. A high proportion (79.55%) of multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates carried narrow spectrum (NS), extended-spectrum (ES), and AmpC-BLR genes. The blaOXA-1, blaOXA-2, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M, blaCMY-1, and blaCMY-2 BLR genes were positive in 37.04%, 29.63%, 25.93%, 14.81%, 37.04%, and 3.70% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, a high prevalence of virulence and BLR genes harboring Salmonella strains in Egyptian cheeses is considered a great threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The River Nile is the artery of Egypt, as it presents more than 96% of the municipal, industrial, and irrigation necessities of Egypt. This study was dedicated to providing data about the effect of pollution at six stations on the River Nile at the Rosetta branch during the period from August 2019 to April 2020, using heavy metals analysis and zooplankton as biological indicators. It was found that the average of heavy metals concentration follows the descending order Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co. Most of the heavy metals recorded its highest values at El-Rahawy station. Zooplankton community was represented by 32 species in addition to 4 Meroplanktons. Five groups of zooplankton were recorded, viz. Rotifera (1717 org./L), Protozoa (552 org./L), Cladocera (54 org./L), Nematoda (46 org./L), and other Meroplankton (44 org./L), dominated by Rotifera followed by Protozoa, Cladocera, Nematoda, and other Meroplanktons contributing 71%, 23%, 2%, 2%, and 2%, respectively. The highest average density of total zooplankton was recorded during spring while the lowest was recorded during summer. The highest similarity of (79.12%) was observed between (Site 1) and (Site 5). Almost all diversity indices were conducted and showed its highest values in site 6. The principal component analysis conducted between heavy metals, and zooplankton showed a significant negative correlation was shown for the dominant zooplankton with the heavy metals except with cobalt. Nematoda and the rotifer Brachionus angularis recorded a positive correlation with heavy metals except cobalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced shoreline instability is a widespread issue among the world's Mega Deltas. Out of 120 million tons/year of sediment, 30 million tons/year reached Damietta promontory before the entire operation of Aswan High Dam (AHD), which blocks most of that sediment. This study uses remote sensing techniques to investigate the Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULCC) and the shoreline dynamics around Damietta promontory. In addition, more attention was devoted to the challenges of Damietta Harbour, which regularly suffers from inlet closure using a filed validated morpho-dynamic model addressing sediment transport and erosion problem at the eastern part. The LULCC based Maximum Likelihood approach shows that the developed areas were doubled from 1984 to 2018. Besides, within the Area of Interest (AoI), 8.961 km2 were eroded during the period (1984–2000), while 2.7046 km2 were eroded during (2000–2018). Change detection technique showed that accretion area was 1.8991 and 2.4909 km2 for the periods 1984–2000 and 2000–2018, respectively. Six scenarios were tested to investigate the best combinations of interventions to mitigate the challenge of siltation inside the harbour entrance and the erosion at the eastern side. Morphodynamical results showed that scenario 4 (two groins each 1000 m length at the west side of the western jetty combined with two groins each 500 m length at the east side of the existing eastern jetty of the harbour) has considered the best scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic proxy approaches proved to be efficient for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution assessment when targeting forests or areas with a homogenous background where anthropogenic magnetic signals could be easily distinguished. Here, we present a multidisciplinary approach for magnetic susceptibility (x ) and HM assessment in a complex area in the Nile Delta, where geogenic input, land use, and various industries with different fly ash and surface water emissions interfere. Statistical analysis discriminates between the effects of lithologic elements and the concentrations of toxic anthropogenic elements. The studied elements are classified into lithogenic and anthropogenic-related (HMs, Au industry, and fertilizers industry) groups with maximum contamination levels of eight anthropogenic-related and highly toxic PTEs (Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, and As) in the Akrasha industrial area (pollution load index = 15.84). Considering the whole data set, the numerical correlation of x with most PTE concentrations and the pollution load index (PLI) is weak, while it is moderate to strong with lithogenic elements. However, a comparison of lithogenic elements and PTE concentrations along with x-values in two separate clusters supports the correspondence of lithology with elevated x-values in silt and clay-rich soil samples as well as HM concentration in industrial sandy soils. Correspondence between magnetic maps and chemistry data with land use reflects the potential of magnetic proxy methods for qualitative PTE pollution pre-delineation of the polluted spots, provided that lithological conditions are carefully considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HAdV and HBoV are frequently found in different water sources throughout the year. Due to their health impact on humans, continuous monitoring of these viruses is considered an important tool to evaluate their circulation within society. This study investigates the prevalence of HAdV and HBoV in different environmental samples collected from the western Nile Delta of Egypt. In total, 264 samples were collected from treated and untreated sewage (48), sewage sludge (24), drainage water (96), and drainage sediment (96) from December 2019 to November 2021. Molecular detection was performed to detect both viruses in the collected samples. The results indicated that HAdV was more prevalent than HBoV in all types of sewage samples, with the highest detection rate in untreated sewage. Both viruses were relatively lower in sludge sewage samples, while in drainage water and sediment samples were detected with similar frequencies, although the detection rates were generally lower than those observed in sewage samples. Moreover, no significant seasonal distribution of both viruses was observed throughout the year. The results of this study emphasize the importance of monitoring the presence of these viruses in environmental samples with proper treatment and disposal of sewage to ensure public health and safety. HIGHLIGHTS The first study that shows the prevalence of enteric viruses in the aquatic environment in the western delta region of Egypt.; HAdV and HBoV were detected in treated and untreated wastewater samples.; Both viruses did not show any significant seasonal variation.;

Work in the 2018 and 2022 archaeological seasons at the site of Tell el-Murra, located in the northeastern Nile Delta, continued in two areas: the settlement (Trench T5), and the cemetery (Trench S3). The research yielded valuable information on the appearance and function of the settlement, whose origins date back to the 4th millennium BC. It undoubtedly flourished during the Early Dynastic period and in the beginning of the Old Kingdom. This is evidenced by numerous remains of utility and storage buildings, in which a large number of fragments of ceramic vessels, as well as stone and flint objects for grain processing and breadmaking have been discovered. An integral part of the settlement was the cemetery, where the deceased were buried in simple pits and cavity graves, as well as in more elaborate built-up structures.

Abstract The sandstone of Abu Madi clastic reservoir constitutes the prime gas-producing reservoir in the Nile Delta region. So, the present research aims to delineate its microfacies and dominant diagenetic features and their effect on the petrophysical characteristics of the Abu Madi reservoir in the Faraskur Gas Field. This could be achieved by integrating the petrographical studies and the conventional data to divide the reservoir into some reservoir rock types (RRTs) to delineate the impact of the mineral composition and diagenetic features on their reservoir quality and hydraulic flow zones. Petrographically, most samples are immature and described as angular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and slightly cemented. Five clastic microfacies types are recorded in the Abu Madi Formation: (1) quartz arenite, (2) feldspathic quartz arenite, (3) sub-feldspathic quartz arenite, (4) quartz wacke, and (5) sub-feldspathic quartz wacke. The most important post-depositional processes affecting the reservoir quality are the precipitation of pyrite and microsparite, as well as the feldspars alteration into authigenic dispersed clays represented by kaolinite and smectite/illite mixed layers. The dominant pore types are the primary intergranular, with some subsidiary fractures and dissolution pores. To check the reservoir quality of the Abu Madi clastics, the NPI (normalized porosity index), FZI (flow zone indicator), RQI (reservoir quality index), and λ k (permeability anisotropy) were estimated. Petrophysically, the studied samples are summed up into four RRTs, with the RRT4 group has the lowest ∅ and k values (av. ∅ = 16.2%, av. k H = 6.87 md) and the lowest reservoir quality parameters (av. FZI = 0.89 μm, av. DRT = 10.4, av. RQI = 0.18 μm, av. R 35 = 1.26 μm). On the contrary, the RRT1 group has the best petrophysical and reservoir parameters (av. ∅ = 25.9%, av. k H = 2695 md, av. DRT = 14.9, av. RQI = 3.12 μm, av. FZI = 8.85 μm, av. R 35 = 32.7 μm). The permeability anisotropy of the RRT2 and RRT3 is the highest in Faraskur Field (av. λ k = 2.4 and 2.62, respectively). This study is applicable to other extensions of the Abu Madi reservoirs in the Nile Delta basin to help in predicting their reservoir quality, petrophysical properties, and their hydrocarbon potentiality.

In this study, we integrated cores and wireline logs to evaluate the petrographical and petrophysical properties of the Late Miocene Abu Madi sandstone reservoir from the onshore WAK gas field. Thin section petrographic analyses indicate that the reservoir consists of coarse to fine-grained, poorly sorted, subangular to subrounded glauconitic quartz arenites exhibiting high mineralogical maturity, poor textural maturity, and good volume of intergranular porosity. Based on the downhole pressure data, we estimated that the gas gradient was somewhere between 0.24 and 0.26 psi/m. The SEM images suggest the pore filling authigenic chlorite and kaolinite cementation to be the dominant diagenetic process reducing the reservoir quality. The presence of concavo-convex grain contacts in the reservoir samples is indicative of a moderate degree of mechanical compaction by burial load. The massive sandstone reservoir facies represents stacked braided fluvial channels deposited during a lowstand system tract unconformably above the Qawasim Formation. Based on well log-based petrophysical analyses, the Abu Madi reservoir has a total porosity of 17–20 % with 14.6–18.3 % effective porosity and 39.4 to 47.9 % water saturation. Gross reservoir thickness varies between 28.3 and 51.1 m, whilst the net pay thickness ranges between 18.4 and 43.7 m, which translates to a high net-to-gross (N/G) ratio of 0.65–0.84. Lateral distribution of the petrophysical parameters infers a superior reservoir quality towards the central part of the studied field which should be targeted for future infill development well drilling. The reservoir heterogeneity was mapped to substantially decrease the uncertainty of future drilling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sandstone of Abu Madi clastic reservoir constitutes the prime gas-producing reservoir in the Nile Delta region. So, the present research aims to delineate its microfacies and dominant diagenetic features and their effect on the petrophysical characteristics of the Abu Madi reservoir in the Faraskur Gas Field. This could be achieved by integrating the petrographical studies and the conventional data to divide the reservoir into some reservoir rock types (RRTs) to delineate the impact of the mineral composition and diagenetic features on their reservoir quality and hydraulic flow zones. Petrographically, most samples are immature and described as angular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and slightly cemented. Five clastic microfacies types are recorded in the Abu Madi Formation: (1) quartz arenite, (2) feldspathic quartz arenite, (3) sub-feldspathic quartz arenite, (4) quartz wacke, and (5) sub-feldspathic quartz wacke. The most important post-depositional processes affecting the reservoir quality are the precipitation of pyrite and microsparite, as well as the feldspars alteration into authigenic dispersed clays represented by kaolinite and smectite/illite mixed layers. The dominant pore types are the primary intergranular, with some subsidiary fractures and dissolution pores. To check the reservoir quality of the Abu Madi clastics, the NPI (normalized porosity index), FZI (flow zone indicator), RQI (reservoir quality index), and λk (permeability anisotropy) were estimated. Petrophysically, the studied samples are summed up into four RRTs, with the RRT4 group has the lowest ∅ and k values (av. ∅ = 16.2%, av. kH = 6.87 md) and the lowest reservoir quality parameters (av. FZI = 0.89 μm, av. DRT = 10.4, av. RQI = 0.18 μm, av. R35 = 1.26 μm). On the contrary, the RRT1 group has the best petrophysical and reservoir parameters (av. ∅ = 25.9%, av. kH = 2695 md, av. DRT = 14.9, av. RQI = 3.12 μm, av. FZI = 8.85 μm, av. R35 = 32.7 μm). The permeability anisotropy of the RRT2 and RRT3 is the highest in Faraskur Field (av. λk = 2.4 and 2.62, respectively). This study is applicable to other extensions of the Abu Madi reservoirs in the Nile Delta basin to help in predicting their reservoir quality, petrophysical properties, and their hydrocarbon potentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ancient Egypt, lakes, canals, and other water bodies were an essential part of the sacred landscape in which temples were embedded. In recent years, geoarchaeological research at the site of the Temple of Bastet at Bubastis in the southeastern Nile Delta has proven the existence of two water canals surrounding the temple. It has now been investigated whether these canals were connected to the Temple of Pepi I (2300–2250 B.C.E.), located approximately 100 m to the west of the Temple of Bastet. To explore the Holocene landscape genesis of the Temple of Pepi I, 15 drillings and six geoelectrical profile lines were performed in the surroundings of the temple in spring 2022. The results show loamy to clayey sediments in deeper sections of all drillings with a maximum thickness of 1.70 m, indicating a marshy or swampy depositional environment. Based on the recovered sediment sequences and archaeological remains in the vicinity of the Temple of Pepi I, the marshy or swampy area existed before the Fourth Dynasty. During the Old Kingdom (ca. 2850–2180 B.C.E.), the former marshland either dried up through natural processes or was intentionally drained and filled with sediments for subsequent use for occupation. Regarding the original research question, there is as yet no evidence for a direct connection to the canals of the Temple of Bastet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LAND degradation is one of the most important consequences of climate change that has socioeconomic repercussions world-wide, particularly in Egypt's Nile Delta region. It is therefore essential to inform of timely measurements of land degradation and identify its causes for the security of populations living on and near the Nile Delta. This paper calculates the Environmental Sensitivity Index using the MEDALUS-GEE (Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use in the Google Earth Engine) approach within two of Egypt's most climate-affected governorates, Alexandria and Beheira, on the district level. Results show that most of the districts in Alexandria is highly sensitive to climate change and is unsuitable for farming owing to their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The rise in sea level leads to the submergence of many lands. Besides, as a result of the geological composition of the region, seawater seeps into groundwater, all of which in turn was reflected in the rise in soil salinity. Also, the highest degree of land degradation and/or desertification was found in the hinterland of the Beheira Governorate, including high soil salinity and groundwater, which makes it difficult to undertake land reclamation and cultivation. Hence, the study suggests a crop suitability plan for the areas under study, particularly those highly subjected to land degradation and desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt's quota of Nile River water has been constant since the 1950s, despite the continual agricultural land expansion. To facilitate land reclamation, Egypt has reallocated Nile water from downstream users, mostly smallholders in the 'old lands' of the Delta. As water demands have grown, more attention has gone to the reuse of waste/drainage water as a reliable source for irrigated agriculture in the "old lands". Recently, new mega plants for drainage water treatment have been built to promote reclamation of 'new lands' in desert-front governorates located outside the Nile Delta. Through these plants and the related water conveyance infrastructure, drainage water from the 'old lands' is now being collected, treated, and reallocated to these newly reclaimed areas. This article scrutinizes this transformation of access to drainage water, examining who benefits and what implications it holds for smallholder farmers in the old lands. The analysis suggests that waste/drainage water reclamation schemes do not tap into unused water but actually risk depriving smallholders in the Nile Delta of water access. It argues that more attention should be given to existing informal reuse arrangements and that smallholders' access to water is guaranteed in light of new drainage water reuse projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Messinian reservoirs located in the Salma Field of the Nile Delta area contain variable facies. The key reservoir interval of the Abu Madi Formation was deposited in fluvial to deltaic environments. These fine-grained facies form significant reservoir heterogeneity within the reservoir intervals. The main challenges in this study are reservoir characterizing and predicting the change in reservoir water saturation (SW) with time, while reservoir production life based on the change in reservoir capillary pressure (Pc). This work applies petrophysical analysis to enable the definition and calculation of the hydrocarbon reserves within the key reservoir units. Mapping of SW away from the wellbores within geo-models represents a significant challenge. The rock types and flow unit analysis indicate that the reservoir is dominated by four hydraulic flow units. HFU#1 represents the highest flow zone indicator (FZI) value. Core analysis has been completed to better understand the relationship between SW and the reservoir capillary pressure above the fluid contact and free water level (FWL), which is used to perform saturation height function (SHF) analysis. The calculated SW values that are obtained from logs are affected by formation water resistivity (Rw) and log true resistivity (RT), which are influenced by the volume of clay content and mud salinity. This study introduces an integrated approach, including evaluation of core measurements, well log analysis covering cored and non-cored intervals, neural analysis techniques (K-mode algorithm), and permeability prediction in non-cored intervals. The empirical formula was predicted for direct calculation of dynamic SW profiles and predicted within the reservoir above the FWL based on the change in reservoir pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland ecosystems of the Nile Delta face severe threats due to natural climatic changes and anthropogenic activities. Life and death assemblage comparisons can be implemented as a historical record to detect anthropogenic-induced environmental changes in the past few decades. A geometric morphometric approach was applied to quantify the pollution-induced morphological variation between life and death populations of the gastropod Melanoides tuberculata. The results indicated that life populations differ significantly from the death ones, where the first tend to be much smaller, more globular, and with a depressed aperture and whorl section. In addition, the phenetic diversity of the life populations was also decreased, and the allometric growth was shifted. These morphological changes in the life populations are well-known adaptations for reducing the cost of shell maintenance in polluted water. No distinct morphospace was found between life populations from different habitats, suggesting that habitats have no significant role in the current pollution-induced evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most prevalent and serious issues afflicting developing countries is the lack of adequate space for waste disposal. Al-Gharbia Governorate, located in the middle of the Nile Delta in Egypt, suffers from random selection of sites for solid waste disposal, resulting in significant environmental challenges. The aim of this study is to determine optimal landfill locations within Al-Gharbia Governorate and validate the existing landfill sites. Four techniques of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) were applied to generate suitability maps for the Governorate: the analytical hierarchy procedure (AHP), ratio scale weighting (RSW), straight rank sum (SRS), and Boolean method. Eleven effective criteria were considered: groundwater, surface water, elevation, slope, soils, land use, roads, railways, urban areas, villages, and power lines. The suitability maps were categorized into four different classes: suitable, moderately suitable, low suitable, and unsuitable. The latest suitability map was determined by combining the results from the different methods, providing decision-makers with the means to select the optimal landfill site. The suitable zone encompasses a small area (3%), predominantly located in the northeast region (Al-Mahalla), central region (Tanta), and northern region (Kotour). Conversely, the unsuitable area covers a substantial portion (72.7%) due to the agricultural nature of the governorate, high population density, and elevated groundwater levels. Furthermore, all existing landfill sites fall within unsuitable or low suitable areas, inflicting severe impacts on the nearby environment, public health, and groundwater integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish parasitic diseases impose a major economic concern on aquaculture. Identified parasites of Clarias gariepinus include one monogenean, Macrogyrodactylus clarii (gills), three digeneans Orientocreadium batrachoides, Eumasenia bangweulensis and Sanguinicola sp. (intestine), two cestodes Tetracampose ciliotheca and Monobothrioides chalmersius (intestine) and two nematodes Paracamallanus cyathopharynx and Procamallanus pseudolaeviconchus (intestine and stomach). Most nematodes, digeneans and cestodes occurred in all months of the study period. However, M. clarii and Sanguinicola sp. disappeared for 6 and 8 months of the year, respectively. The digenean group was the most dominant followed by the cestode and nematode groups, respectively. The nematodes attained the highest infection rate over the digeneans and cestodes while the monogenean M. clarii recorded the lowest infection rate. The infection level of examined parasites varied seasonally, but no overall significant pattern was detected. E. bangweulensis showed a highly significant difference for all parameters seasonally. A higher prevalence was obvious in males than females for most parasites, and the opposite for the mean intensity except for P. pseudolaeviconchus which was significantly different between females and males in the mean abundance. There were variations in the relationship between the host condition factor and helminth parasite infection levels. O. batrachoides, E. bangweulensis and P. cyathopharynx recorded the highest infection level in class II. The mean prevalence was highly significantly different between host classes for T. ciliotheca, M. chalmersius and P. pseudolaeviconchus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Soil pollution directly impacts food quality and the lives of both humans and animals. The concentration of heavy metals in Egypt’s drain-side soils is rising, which is detrimental to the quality of the soil and crops. The key to reducing the detrimental effects on the ecosystem is having accurate maps of the spatial distribution of heavy metals and the subsequent use of environmentally sustainable remediation approaches. The objective of this work is to assess soil contamination utilizing spatial mapping of heavy metals, determine contamination levels using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and calculate both the contamination severity and the potential for bioremediation in the soils surrounding the main drain of Bahr El-Baqar. Furthermore, evaluating the capacity of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and “Actinomycetes) to degrade heavy elements in the soil.Methodology: 146 soil sample locations were randomly selected near the Bahr El-Baqar drain to examine the degree of soil pollution Ordinary Kriging (OK), method was used to map and analyze the spatial distribution of soil contamination by seven heavy metals (Cr, Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, and Ni). Modified contamination degree (mCd) and PCA were used to assess the research area’s soil pollution levels. The process involved isolating, identifying, and classifying the microorganisms present in the soil of the study area. The study findings showed that variography suggested the Stable model effectively matched pH, SOM, and Cd values. Furthermore, the exponential model proved suitable for predicting Fe, Pb and Ni, while the spherical model was appropriate for Ni, Cr, and Zn.Results: The study revealed three levels of contamination, with an extremely high degree (EHDC) affecting approximately 97.49% of the area. The EHDC exhibited average concentrations of heavy metals: 79.23 ± 17.81 for Cr, 20,014.08 ± 4545.91 for Fe, 201.31 ± 112.97 for Zn, 1.33 ± 1.37 for Cd, 40.96 ± 26.36 for Pb, 211.47 ± 13.96 for As, and 46.15 ± 9.72 for Ni. Isolation and identification of microorganisms showed a significant influence on the breakdown of both organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment. The study demonstrated exceptionally high removal efficiency for As and Cr, with a removal efficiency reached 100%, achieved by Rhizopus oryzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus thuringiensis.Conclusion: This study has designated management zones for soil contamination by mapping soil pollutants, geo-identified them, and found potential microorganisms that could significantly reduce soil pollution levels.

Groundwater management in semiarid and arid regions, like northern Egypt, is essential for the sustainability of scarce resources through monitoring groundwater status and sources of recharge to the aquifer. In the Qalyubia Governorate, Nile Delta, Egypt, the study examined the recharge of groundwater in lands subject to flood irrigation and compared it with water-saving irrigation methods to detect how irrigation practices influence the potentiality of groundwater. A simulation of the two irrigation techniques, flood irrigation, and water-saving irrigation, was performed. Using GMS, simulations are done to calculate the water balance in the main 8 districts of Qalyubia Governorate. In comparison to flood irrigation, it was found that water-saving irrigation has less recharge intensity, which in turn causes a lowering in groundwater levels. The decline in groundwater table ranges between 10 and 50 cm. Modern irrigation influences the potentiality of the Nile Delta aquifer, which can’t be underestimated.

Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom bread moulds belong to the type of vessels on which potmarks appear the most often, which is a phenomenon recorded during works conducted at different sites. Excavations carried out at the Tell el-Murra between 2011 and 2019 produced a significant number of vessels of this type with various marks. This paper is devoted to the 118 pre-firing marks from Early Dynastic and Old Kingdom bread moulds from the settlement layers at the Tell el-Murra. The paper comparatively analyses marks from two subsequent chronological periods, with the aim to test the validity of theories regarding their function and meaning, based on examples from Tell el-Murra. The study concludes that the high frequency of potmarks on bread forms was not accidental, but related to certain economic processes and changes, as also indicated in this paper.

Coastal erosion is a natural process, that contributed to shaping the Nile Delta shoreline in Egypt over history. The objective of this research is to investigate shoreline changes, accretion, and erosion and to detect particularly vulnerable locations that require immediate attention. Another goal is to assess the efficiency of coastal installations that have been recently implemented along the study area and determine whether they have performed their role to the fullest or need additional modifications. Several Landsat images (TM, ETM+, and OLI) were utilized over 37 years to track the shoreline changes and were analysed using remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS) was integrated with the LRR model for assessing historical changes for shorelines from 1985 to 2022 and forecasting future shoreline positions in 2030, 2050, and 2100. Most of the eight zones that make up the Delta region have lately seen the establishment of coastal projects, such as the development of the Abu Qir port's breakwater in 2021. From the results, it was found that the areas around Rosetta promontory, Burullus headland, and Damietta promontory experienced a significant and rapid retreat and with large rates over the study period, with average values of –15.7, –3.25, and –16.8 m/y, respectively. However, both the coast of Alexandria, and Gamasa embayment were subjected to accretion as a prevailing case, with average rates of 2.85, and 4.03 m/y, respectively. Many groins were installed in the east of the Rosetta promontory (zone 3) in 2016 to decrease the erosion process; however, it didn't pay off and could not solve the problem. In contrast, the groins system, which was implemented at the East Kitchener Drain (zone 5) in the same year, lowered erosion rates from 17.6 m/y from 2000 to 2010 to 7 m/y from 2010 to 2022. In 2019, Y-groins built in zone 7, east of Damietta Port, succeeded in slowing rates of erosion. Finally, inlet jetties at El-Gamil (zone 8) were constructed in 2016, resulting in the coastline advancing at 14.7 m/y on average in the period of 2010–2022. The findings of this study confirmed that hard structures are dangerous because they exacerbate the problem of shoreline erosion by disseminating it to the neighbouring beaches and acting as an impediment to the movement of longshore sediments. According to the expected future shoreline patterns, it is necessary for authorities to implement both short-term and long-term protective measures to stop the erosion of several areas of the beach.

The current study utilizes a range of diagenetic fingerprints to differentiate between sandstone facies deposited in the Nile Delta before and during the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC), which is normally a challenging task considering the complex bio- and lithostratigraphic subdivisions of Messinian rock units. Subaerial exposure of the pre-MSC (Qawasim deltaic sandstone), during drawdown of the Mediterranean Sea at the time of the MSC, triggered pervasive dissolution of unstable rock fragments, kaolinization of feldspar, and meteoric dolomitization of carbonate. This was followed by mesogenetic calcite cementation and kaolinite transformation into dickite in deeply buried Qawasim sandstone. Comparatively, the Abu Madi estuarine facies, deposited during transgression after drawdown related to the MSC, is characterized by eogenetic iron (Fe)-calcite, glauconite, and pyrite (averages of 14.5%, 6%, and 2%, respectively). This facies transition is marked by abundance of mature glauconite (with potassium oxide (K 2 O) at about 8%) whose content abates upward from the transgression surface. Moreover, the compositional variability of the Abu Madi sandstone gave rise to multiple diagenetic trajectories that resulted in chlorite formation presumably following smectite and kaolinite. Listed diagenetic variations in the studied Messinian sandstone resulted from a complex interplay between rocks' compositional, depositional, and burial attributes, ultimately serving as a basis for high-resolution stratigraphic correlation in continental and marginal marine settings with poor biostratigraphic controls. • Multiple diagenetic phases in pre-MSC and MSC facies were investigated. • Diagenetic glauconite characterizes the MSC estuarine facies. • Chlorite morphotypes feature the MSC fluvial facies. • Kaolinite and dickite are documented in the pre-MSC facies. • Complete illitization of kaolinite/K-feldspar occur solely in MSC fluvial facies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fishes of the River Nile are a promising source of animal protein. The catfishes Bagrus bajad Fabricius 1775 and Bagrus docmak Fabricius 1775 are economically important with well-marketable size and use in fish farming. Digenean parasites cause severe damage to the gut tissue of their fish hosts. There are still some questions regarding the taxonomical features of the genus Acanthostomum Looss 1899. The present study has revealed new morphological features that confirmed the identity of the collected worms as Acanthostomum spiniceps Looss 1896 and aided in elucidating the possible functions of different internal organs and surface features. A long-stemmed excretory bladder was detected but there was no evidence of gonotyl. The circumoral spines (28–30) were detected in the early juvenile stage and adult. The ventral sucker has no tegumental folds in juveniles or crescent-shaped tegumental folds in adults but possesses two overlapping lips. In both juveniles and adults, the oral sucker with the associated circumoral spines assumed retracted, and protracted positions reflecting its highest movement activity. Elongation of the anterior region and partial emergence of the oral cavity in living juveniles and adults were described. The possible functions of the forebody glands and the posterior body openings near the anal pores were discussed. Large, non-ciliated, dome-shaped, and small ciliated, button-like papillae were concentrated on the body surface, particularly the oral and ventral suckers. The tegument possesses densely arranged single-pointed and scale-like spines that gradually decrease in size and number as they proceed posteriorly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

THE NILE Delta is one of the oldest and largest deltas in the world covers 4 % of Egypt's area and occupies 63 % of the Egyptian cultivated land. The present study focuses on the goods and services offered by Delta's natural ecosystem. Thirty field trips were conducted to different locations to cover the study area from spring 2020 to summer 2022. Based on field observation and information gathered from residents and herbalists (60 people from the study area were interviewed, ranging in age from 30 to 60 years old) the goods, services and threats of the recorded species were assessed. Forty-nine were recorded and their roles in goods and services; identified threats that cover the gradual change in the study area were recorded. Recorded species offer many goods such as grazing (36 species), medicinal (26) and human food (15). Also, they provide environmental benefits that ruderal and segetal weeds are the most commonly offered service, followed by bank retainer (16 species) and weed controller (6 species). Thirty-six species (73% of recorded species) suffer from at least one type of threat; over-collecting and over-cutting were the most common threat (46.9%), then habitat loss (40.8%), browsing and over-grazing (34.7%), clearance for agriculture (24.5%) species) and disturbance by cars or trampling (10%). Authors recommended that Nile Delta natural flora need continuous monitoring and conservation, as this region faces deteriorating habitat loss and even extinction of plants; which offer many goods and services for humans and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of superbugs in dairy products can jeopardize global public health. To date, information on the incidence rates of virulent and β-lactams-resistant (BLR) Salmonella in cheeses from rural areas of Egypt has been lacking. Biochemical, serological, antibiotic susceptibility, and multiplex PCR (M-PCR) tests were performed to identify and characterize Salmonella isolates. In this study, 44 (15.71%) Salmonella isolates of eight different serotypes were recovered from 280 samples of Rumi and pasteurized Kariesh cheeses across the Nile Delta region of Egypt. The most predominant serotypes were S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Infantis. The virulence genes (invA, stn, and hilA) were identified in all isolates. However, spvC was only detected in S. Typhimurium. The highest resistance was developed against Erythromycin and Clindamycin (90.91%), followed by Ceftazidime and Cephalothin (84.09%). Meropenem and colistin were the most effective antibiotics. A high proportion (79.55%) of multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates carried narrow spectrum (NS), extended-spectrum (ES), and AmpC-BLR genes. The blaOXA-1, blaOXA-2, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M, blaCMY-1, and blaCMY-2 BLR genes were positive in 37.04%, 29.63%, 25.93%, 14.81%, 37.04%, and 3.70% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, a high prevalence of virulence and BLR genes harboring Salmonella strains in Egyptian cheeses is considered a great threat to public health.

Eighteen moss taxa were recorded from Kafr El-Sheikh governorate, Nile Delta. Brachytheciastrum velutinum (Hedw.) Ignatov & Huttunen was a new record to the Nile Delta and 9 taxa were new to Kafr El-Sheikh governorate. This raised the number of identified moss taxa recorded from the Nile Delta to 53 taxa. Notes on the morphological differences between old and newly collected specimens of Physcomitrium niloticum (Delile) Müll. Hal. were given with illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work in the 2018 and 2022 archaeological seasons at the site of Tell el-Murra, located in the northeastern Nile Delta, continued in two areas: the settlement (Trench T5), and the cemetery (Trench S3). The research yielded valuable information on the appearance and function of the settlement, whose origins date back to the 4th millennium BC. It undoubtedly flourished during the Early Dynastic period and in the beginning of the Old Kingdom. This is evidenced by numerous remains of utility and storage buildings, in which a large number of fragments of ceramic vessels, as well as stone and flint objects for grain processing and breadmaking have been discovered. An integral part of the settlement was the cemetery, where the deceased were buried in simple pits and cavity graves, as well as in more elaborate built-up structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed geological-depositional model and a clear understanding of the depositional elements of reservoirs decrease the drilling risks in the development of oil and gas fields. Building an effective geological model is a challenge in West El-Burullus (WEB) area because of its complicated reservoir, which consists of turbidite incised canyons system of Pliocene shales intercalated with sands. These canyons have occurred due to turbidity currents associated with the basin slope forming Kafr El-Sheikh Formation. Deducting the geological-depositional model and basins architecture is carried out utilizing the integration of seismic geomorphology, seismic facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, and petrophysical analysis. The available datasets comprise a 3D seismic cube and logs of the WEB-1 well. Analyses of these data revealed various lithological facies relations and their paleo-depositional environments. This study demonstrated that Kafr El-Sheik Formation comprises a third-order sequence of turbidite units in-filling a canyon named WEB canyon with five sedimentary facies components: basal lobe through the incised old canyon, amalgamated channels fill, followed by splays, lobes, levees either proximal or distal facies, then the last plugged channels. Time–frequency spectral decomposition of time slices at the base and the top of the WEB canyon assisted the description of the litho-morphological and facies distribution of the concealed Kafr El-Sheikh Formation turbidity incisions and recognized reservoir trending and the canyon fairway. The turbidity facies with high reservoir quality was found in the overbank sedimentary distribution channels such as proximal levees and splays that reflected good to excellent petrophysical reservoir characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Animal production is greatly affected by Q fever. As a result of a lack of methodology and financial means to perform extensive epidemiological surveys, the disease's underdiagnosis has proven to be a challenge for effective control. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in cattle raising in four governorates situated at Nile Delta of Egypt and assess the associated risk factors for infection. A total of 480 serum samples were collected from cattle and examined for presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using indirect ELISA assay. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii among examined cattle was 19.8%, with the Qalyubia governorate having the highest prevalence. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed significant association between C. burnetii seropositivity and age, communal grazing and/or watering, contact with small ruminants and history of infertility. According to the findings of this work, C. burnetii is circulating among cattle living in Nile Delta. It is suggested that adequate hygiene procedures and biosecurity measures should be implemented to limit the transmission of pathogens within cow herds and potential human exposure.

The Nile Delta is the oldest delta in the Mediterranean Basin, situated in the middle of its eastern geodynamics progress. It represents a major strategic area for Egypt. Beside the Mediterranean Sea level rise, the Nile Delta may suffer from subsidence due to the reduction of the sediments supply after building the Aswan High Dam. In addition, oil and gas production plays an effective role in the Delta deformation. Nowadays, monitoring the Delta's crustal deformation is regarded as one of the most essential interests for research studies due to the strategic importance of the huge landform created by the Nile. This research aims to determine and interpret the crustal movements for the Nile Delta either locally or regionally using GNSS data during the period 2013-2020. For this purpose, data from 14 GNSS permanent stations were analyzed. The results showed that the Delta is characterized by heterogeneous movements. The local horizontal movement rate is averaged by 2.5 mm per year, which represents a low rate. In addition, the eastern and western sides of the Delta showed different geodynamic behavior related to its structural properties. The vertical velocities showed a significant subsidence ranging from -0.11 mm per year at Helwan to -9.1 mm at Mansoura.

Rapid and unplanned urbanisation can lead to altered local climate by increasing land surface temperature (LST), particularly in summer months. This study investigates the Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Greater Cairo, Egypt, using remote sensing techniques to estimate LST of summer months over 45 years (1986, 2000, 2017, and predicted year 2030). The research objectives and steps were, 1- mapped land use/ land cover (LULC), 2- conducted spatiotemporal analysis of LST, with a comparison of change in LST across different land cover types, 3- predicted future LST for 2030, and 4- examined this temporal change for a hot-spot area (ring road) and a cool-spot area (the River Nile). The results showed that urban areas have increased over the last 30 years by 179.9 km2 (13 %), while agriculture areas decreased by 148 km2 (12 %) and water bodies decreased by 6 km2 (0.5 %). The mean LST over Greater Cairo increased over time, from 31.3 °C (1986) to 36.0 °C (2017) and is predicted to reach 37.9 °C in 2030. While a notable rise of mean LST in the Cairo ring road buffer zone (88 km2), where it was 31.1 °C (1986), and 37 °C (2017) due to the triple increase of urban areas on account of agriculture areas, and the LST it may reach 38.9 °C by 2030. The mean LST increased slightly more in urban hot-spot areas than in cooler cultivated areas. UHI may induce a modification in the local climate that can negatively affect agricultural land, and human thermal comfort and unfortunately lead to a less sustainable environment.

Coastal areas are increasingly endangered by climate change and associated sea level rise, which could have serious consequences, such as shoreline erosion and coastal city submergence. The current study aims to conduct a historical trend analysis (HTA) and predict the shoreline changes of the Nile Delta coasts. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software, with the GIS environment, is used for monitoring the shoreline changes using a number of statistical methods (SCE, NSM, EPR, WLR and LRR). Satellite images from 1974 to 2022 were collected and geometrically corrected using supervised classification to detect the shoreline change of the Nile Delta. The GIS was used for detecting and monitoring changes in the shoreline, as well as forecasting future changes in the shoreline for the next 10 and 20 years (2033–2043). The critical sections of the Nile Delta were identified, and a time series analysis of shoreline changes was conducted. For each section, linear equations were established to predict probable changes in the shoreline. Between 1974 and 2022, the shoreline of the Nile Delta moved inland in different directions due to coastal erosion, and predictions indicate that this erosion will continue until both 2033 and 2043, particularly affecting the Rosetta and Damietta sections. The erosion rate ranged between 30–60 and 10–25 m/year at Rosetta and Damietta, respectively, but at Manzala, it ranged between 8–15 m/year. Continued erosion of the Nile Delta shoreline could have severe consequences that could affect the inhabitants, economy, buildings, roads, railways, and ports. These areas need an integrated coastal management strategy which incorporates increasing consciousness, urban development, and the implementation of rules and adaptation plans. The results of the current study and forecasting the shoreline change could help in protecting such areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]