Water Quality Study of Freshwater of Bekaa Valley to the Delta at Mediterranean Seawater in the region of Lebanon

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2020, Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages: 1589-1593

J. Environ. Treat. Tech.

ISSN: 2309-1185

Journal web link: http://www.jett.dormaj.com

https://doi.org/10.47277/JETT/1593

Water Quality Study of Freshwater of Bekaa Valley

to the Delta at Mediterranean Seawater in the region

of Lebanon

Adnan Falah*, Husein Yemendzhiev, Valentin Nenov

Department of Water Treatment, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Burgas "Prof. Asen Zlatarov" University, Burgas, Republic of Bulgaria

Received: 06/06/2020

Accepted: 26/09/2020

Published: 20/12/2020

Abstract

The water quality of fresh water, springs and wells in Bekaa valley, mountain district, a region of Republic of Lebanon in connection/delta

of Mediterranean sea (basin) is surveyed along the Lebanese north, central and south coast at Tripoli, Jounieh and Saida deltas respectively

in which, Sannine Aquifer at Bekaa valley, the major groundwater source for the coastal area is in-direct contact with the sea. The thin

freshwater lens (delta) is being heavily exploited in this area, where a large number of wells exist in the area passing coastal areas of Lebanon.

Many of those wells are saline and are not suitable for direct domestic use or even for irrigation. This study deals with water quality study,

general assessment of level of pollution and potential influence on seawater through analysis of Physico-Chemical parameters and selected

Inorganic substances of water sample collected from south, central and north Lebanese coastal water among with major water natural

resources at Bekaa valley.

Keywords: Water Quality, Bekaa Valley, Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon

drainage system of the Bekaa Valley. These formations have

Introduction

characteristics for good quality water and are mainly exploited as

domestic water resources via wells or springs [9, 10]. The

hydrogeological assets of the Bekaa Valley are strongly

characterized by the surface water system and its relationship with

the underground aquifers. There are various drainage systems,

most of which are dried for most of the year and highly influenced

by snow melting. Two main rivers flow to south of Lebanon

called Litani river and to the north called Aassi (Oronte) with a

division path near the Baalbeck area, the historical city in Bekaa

province in Lebanon [11-13]. This study is carried out though

analysis of spring/wells of Bekaa valley and Litani river at the

delta to Mediterranean basin of Lebanon (Figure 1 and 2), the

landform created by deposition of sediment that is carried by the

concerned river as the flow leaves its path end and enters slower-

moving to the seawater of Lebanese coast.

Water demand has been continuously increasing and at higher

rates in most parts of the world and Lebanon is no exception.

Controlling agricultural water demand is extremely important,

especially in Lebanon, where about 70 % of water demand is for

the agricultural sector. Lebanon is a multi-morphological country

including mountains, valleys and plains. The Bekaa Valley is a

fertile land passage, separating the Mount Lebanon and Anti-

Lebanon ranges, drained to the North by the Aassi River (or

Orontes) and to the South by the Litani River. Bekaa extends for

,167 km and represents 40 % of the national territory.

Morphological and geological features are the main factors that

make Lebanon a country with rich and renewable water resources

compared to other nearby countries [1-7]. Furthermore, about 65

of Lebanon is covered by karstic rocks and natural water

resources characterized by springs, caves and sinkholes. These

aquifers are highly beneficial, nonetheless extremely exposed to

water contamination due to anthropogenic activities such as

quarries, waste depositing and sewage. The main water sources in

the Bekaa Valley come from surface water, springs and

underground aquifers. The controlling factor of the underground

water is the combination of geological structures and composition

8]. The complex structure of the karstic rocks of the Anti-

Lebanon unit is one of the most important holding deposits of

water in the region; numerous springs form the important surface

2 Materials and Methods

Mediterranean Seawater (basin) at the delta and

freshwater/well water samples from different locations in

Lebanon were collected directly from the source with different

depths equal to 2, 3 and 5 meters and samples stored properly in

a plastic bottle. Water collected in triplicate meaning three bottles

for each sample. All samples are collected-in and analysed within

eight hours of collection, Physico-chemical parameters such as

[

Corresponding author: Adnan Falah, Burgas "Prof. Asen Zlatarov" University, 8010, Y. Yakimov str.1, Burgas, Republic of Bulgaria,

E-mail: adnan@falahpwp.com

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Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques

2020, Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages: 1589-1593

pH, temperature (⁰C), electrical conductivity (microsiemens per

centimetre, μS/cm), dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids

adequate volume of water was removed first by pumping to

ensure that standing water either in the well or in pipes was

discarded. UV/Vis spectrophotometer with appropriate reagents

and test Kits from Merck Spectroquant were used to determine

the concentration of Inorganic substances like calcium,

magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, fluoride, nitrate, sulphate

and phosphate in water at specific wavelength (nm). Mohr

method was used for chloride concentration. Agents and

chemicals used for water analysis experiment were of analytical

grade [14-18]. Sample collection; Sea water samples were

collected from three different regions in Lebanon along the

coastal area of Jounieh, Tripoli and Saida (Figure 1), few hundred

meters away from the shore and from different depths (2, 3 and 5

m) in fact, average concentrations were calculated and presented.

Different samples of fresh water were collected from along the

course of the stream starting from their sources (wells, springs)

from Bekaa Valley at Mountain Lebanon area (Figure 1 and 2),

were taken from each area and analysed to match the existing

information and obtain indication of potential pollution sources

that might be from primarily sewage, agriculture as well as

saltwater interruption with the delta [19].

(

TDS), alkalinity, salinity and hardness measured in ppm were

analysed using portable device called “Multi Parameters Portable

Water Quality Monitor "PWQM" Wagtech) that is capable of

performing all tests listed above.

Results and Discussions

Figure 1: General map of Lebanon at Mediterranean Basin and study

areas of Bekaa Valley and coastal water

The seawater results of samples analysis at the delta for

Jounieh, Tripoli and Saida coastal line (Figure 1) are shown in

Tables 1. Upon investigating the tabulated data, it is found that

Mediterranean basin/seawater at the delta has an average of pH

equal to 8.90 where electrical conductivity was 63,550 µS/cm.

Moreover, average total dissolved solids reported at 40,110 ppm

were salinity found to be 42,228 ppm so that hardness as CaCO

detected at 3,550 ppm where calcium average is 715.00 ppm.

Other elements were also analyzed in order to have complete

assessment of water quality especially at the delta in which

springs and fresh water direct in-contact with the sea. The average

concentration of magnesium recorded at 1,840 ppm as well as

concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride and fluoride found

to be 5,640, 144, 24,900 and 15 ppm respectively. No indication

of iron concentration seen. Besides, pollution level is also studied,

and data shows level of sulphate at 2,530 ppm where

concentration at 8.50 ppm is for nitrate and finally phosphate test

recorded at average concentration equal to 26.90 ppm. It seems

the averages for all three coastal line water regions in table 1, are

similar to each other; this might be due to large area of thin

freshwater lens at the delta (Figure 3) [20-24]. The pH and

chloride levels (average) are found to be fairly close to the

standard values reported in the literature which are 8.90 and

24,900 ppm respectively. The reported range for calcium levels

in seawater vary from 350 to 1,500 ppm and based on date

obtained in table 1 found to be within the average (715.00 ppm).

The total dissolved solids value is quite greater than the reported

value 35,000 ppm [13]. The range of salinity in the open ocean is

about 31,000 to 38,000 ppm while the salinity value obtained for

Mediterranean basin is 40,110 ppm. The obtained values of

potassium and magnesium are within the normal range [14]. The

proportions of inorganic species are within the expected

allocations for seawater (Figure 4). However, the three coastal

regions show quite high phosphate values. This is due to the fact

that the samples have been taken from shallow sea water where

the potential of having wastewater discharges into the sea is high.

High rates of organic decay can produce localized saturation of

Figure 2: General view of Bekaa Valley and coastal line of Lebanon

The Calibration of this multi-tester was done at the beginning of

every sampling day using standard calibration solutions for pH

and conductivity to ensure reliability of the test results and

quality. The tester was well dipped by distilled water after each

testing process. The measuring cup was dipped few times with

each water sample to be tested. Prior to each sampling process,

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2020, Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages: 1589-1593

phosphate in seawater. Water carrying pesticides and fertilizers

from very near to sea agricultural lands can lead to elevated values

of nitrate concentration as can be seen from the results [25, 26].

The low dissolved oxygen values obtained in the three regions

along the Lebanese coast ranging from 5.87 to 6.22 ppm are an

indication of organic pollution of sea water. This might be due to

excessive dumping of garbage, waste and sewage into the sea

especially in the regions close to the shore [17].

nitrates in high concentration in drinking water is harmful to

human health. Water hardness is equivalent to the concentration

of Ca and Mg .

Calcium (mg/l)

Fluoride (mg/l)

Iron (mg/l)

20%3%%%

17%

Table 1: Analysis of Physico-Chemical properties and

concentrations of selected inorganic substances of water samples

from three different regions in Lebanon along the coastal area of

Jounieh, Tripoli and Saida

70%

Magnesium

(mg/l)

Figure 4: Relative proportions (Average) of dissolved salts in seawater

It reflects the nature of the geology in the area of the stream.

Samples with hardness values between 200 and 300 ppm CaCO3

are considered hard water and have a bitter taste. It could also be

shown from the results that the well/spring water average has a

high electrical conductivity value; this quality of water with high

average of EC could be harmful to plants or other organism [18-

(

5]. Figure 5 illustrate the relative distribution proportions

average) of dissolved salts in Bekaa Valley well/spring water

where, Sodium and Chloride have the higher portion of 74% and

5% respectively. Other extended analysis data are tabulated in

Table 2. Spring water in Bekaa valley is significantly used for

drinking, in farming, irrigation and industrial activities. The

Bekaa itself, is Lebanon’s largest province and has the largest area

of arable land to date. It has a moderate dry and warm climate in

summers and wet to snowy winters (Mediterranean climate). The

Bekaa is located about 30 km east of Lebanon’s capital Beirut.

The Bekaa valley is situated between Mount Lebanon to the west

and the Anti-Lebanon mountains to the east. It is 120 Km long

and 16 Km wide on average. Diversely, threats to its water

supplies would severely affect the economy of the province. The

Bekaa valley is a huge agricultural land with a fertile soil and low

population compared to other provinces [19-21]. Most towns and

villages in the Bekaa Valley have no significant sewer systems

thus, notable portion of wastewater discharged untreated into a

nearby valley. Litani river, the important water resource in

southern Lebanon which is rises in the fertile Bekaa Valley (west

of Baalbek historical city of Bekaa province) and empties into

the Mediterranean Sea at north delta of Lebanon. Many towns and

areas among Litani River had a sewer system installed in the early

5,000.00

,000.00

5,000.00

Figure 3: Comparison analysis and concentrations of selected physical

parameters and inorganic substances of water samples from Jounieh

Left), Tripoli (Middle) and Saida (Right)

(

1990s, but its waste flows, untreated, into the adjacent Litani

River. During the summertime, when the river’s flow slows to its

minimum, the problem becomes more serious due to excess

amount of waste and backlogs in the sewer system that affect the

river flows mood. Since many unscrupulous farmers inn towns

and cities are known to draw water from the river to irrigate their

summer crops, which they market locally and in Beirut capital.

The impacts on people’s health as a result of the farmers’ use of

contaminated irrigation water remain undocumented. However,

by referring to the obtained results and compare them with the

reported values in literatures, the potential influence of Bekaa

valley’s water (fresh, well, springs) to the seawater quality

became sharper to spot.

On the other hand, water quality in the Bekaa Inland were

investigated, samples were taken from both wells and springs in

the Bekaa region. Groundwater constitutes the major source of

fresh water in Lebanon. Bekaa Valley relies by 90% on

groundwater resources for agriculture and domestic use. The

results shown in Table 2 is assessed. and it is found that chemical

constituents of the Bekaa spring water values are below the upper

permissible limits imposed by USA-EPA (Environmental

protection agency) and WHO (World health organization) for

drinking water; knowing that the upper permissible limit of

sulfate in drinking water is 400 mg/l. It should be noted that

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2020, Volume 8, Issue 4, Pages: 1589-1593

in the recharge values due to climatic changes or extensive human

activities or untreated flows, affects the naturally occurring

equilibrium negatively and that is the case now; greater recharge

shifts the interface towards the sea whereas any deficit in this

recharge causes seawater violation into coastal fresh water

aquifers. Moreover, the quality of seawater at the delta is in

deterioration state due to lack of treatment from the sources such

as Litani river and other fresh water entering the seawater. On the

other hand, drilling a huge number of wells to high depths and

exploited at high rates is speeding the rate of seawater interference

and making new paths for seawater flow in fact, seawater

continue to encroach inland which coincides with areas of high

population densities. The potential impact from excess wells

usage in the concerned areas meaning that residents are producing

the extensive over abstraction of the coastal aquifers mainly

Sannine aquifer since it is in-direct contact with the sea. Thus, at

these focused zones, groundwater is no more fresh and the

situation is thought to become much worse if people continue to

exploit the groundwater at the same way [26-31].

Table 2: Analysis of Physico-Chemical properties and average

concentrations of selected inorganic substances of water samples

from Bekaa Valley Well/Spring water that in contact with Sea at

the delta in Lebanon (Mediterranean Basin)

Conclusions

Based on data compared in Table 1 and 2 with and standards

in literatures, it seems that groundwater quality of a different parts

of the Bekaa Valley is getting poor to very poor-quality

characteristics. Water management and further monitoring are

highly required to treat contaminated water and reduce sources of

pollution. Groundwater over the studied areas are not protected

and more strategies needed to inhibit loss. Groundwater managing

laws and regulations exist, however they are not strictly enforced.

However, Water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes need

to be managed based on standards regulations. Continuous

monitoring of groundwater as well as sea water at the delta is

required especially for the areas of agricultural, for constructing

better management plans. This study might add and providing

useful data and awareness for future observations and better

managements [32].

Calcium (mg/l)

03%%%

Fluoride (mg/l)

Iron (mg/l)

Magnesium

(mg/l)

Ethical issue

Authors are aware of, and comply with, best practice in

publication ethics specifically with regard to authorship

Figure 5: Relative distribution proportions (Average) of dissolved salts

in Bekaa Valley well/spring water

(

avoidance of guest authorship), dual submission, manipulation

of figures, competing interests and compliance with policies on

research ethics. Authors adhere to publication requirements that

submitted work is original and has not been published elsewhere

in any language.

The Lebanese coastal zone is the most perceptive zone in the

country, it is expands over 210 km in length in which industrial,

commercial, entertainments, beeches, resorts and financial

activities along with major Lebanese cities are generally

concentrated; mixing salinity zone or the fresh-salt water that is

in-direct contact with seawater from rivers and wells especially

from Bekaa valley, has exceeded the limit which requires more

attention to sustain desirable quality of water. Though, coastal

aquifers, a natural gradient still exists towards the coast and

groundwater discharges from areas of higher groundwater levels

into the sea. This naturally occurring movement of fresh water in

fact, prevents saltwater from entering freshwater coastal aquifers.

The flow of saltwater inland, or horizontal seawater

encroachment, is limited to coastal areas. As we go further inland,

the freshwater head is higher thus, it is able to equalize the

pressure from the saltwater, preventing saltwater interference so

that a saline wedge below the fresh water is formed and the

density is high enough to prevent substantial mixing and thus a

natural hydrostatic equilibrium is developed in fact, any change

Competing interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that

would prejudice the impartiality of this scientific work.

Authors’ contribution

All authors of this study have a complete contribution for data

collection, data analyses and manuscript writing.

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