Spatial Distribution of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Some Watercourses: A Study on Water Quality, Risk, and Effect on Macroinvertebrates

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Sayed S.S.M.; Abd El-Hamid R.M.; Zanaty N.; Abdel-Motleb A.

Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution

Publisher: Springer Nature

Publication Date: 11 November 2025

Volume / Issue: Volume 237 / Issue 2

Article No.: 108

ISSN: 496979

DOI: 10.1007/s11270-025-08698-1

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Sayed S.S.M., Environmental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt; Abd El-Hamid R.M., Agricultural Research Centre, Central Agricultural Pesticides Laboratory, Giza, Egypt; Zanaty N., Environmental Studies Department, National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science, Cairo, Egypt; Abdel-Motleb A., Environmental Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Continued monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues in inland watercourses contributes indirectly to Sustainable Development Goal 14 by preserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, the current work aims to monitor PCBs in water courses of Giza, Al-Qaliobiah, and Al-Gharbiah Egyptian Governorates and assess their risk using various tools. The highest water temperature was 32.2 °C et al.-Gharbiah during spring. pH values were natural throughout all seasons and sites, except Al-Qaliobiah, which showed alkaline water in the summer. Giza showed high DO in winter (7.75 mg/L), while Al-Qaliobiah and Al-Gharbiah peaked in autumn (5.04 and 6.41 mg/L, respectively). Six PCB congeners (52, 70, 101, 118, 138, and 180) were detected, and their levels exceeded the permissible limit in surface water. PCB-52 and 70 were the most dominant in all investigated governorates. The highest total PCBs were 126.10 and 132.40 µg/L in deep water at Giza and Al-Gharbiah, respectively, while in surface water et al.-Qaliobiah it was 111.90 µg/L. Most PCB congeners were lowest in winter, compared to spring and autumn, and this was inversely proportional to abundance of macroinvertebrates. Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) values showed relatively poor water quality, indicating significant organic pollution. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were greater than 1, and the carcinogenic risks exceeded the acceptable limits. Therefore, implementing monitoring programs and regulatory policies is vital to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health. © The Author(s) 2025.

Keywords

Gastropoda; GIS; Health risk; PCBs; SDG 14; Water quality; Abiotic; Aquatic ecosystems; Biodiversity; Biohazards; Biotic; Macroinvertebrates; Polychlorinated biphenyls; Risk assessment; Surface waters; Water pollution; polychlorinated biphenyl; water; 'current; Aquatic biodiversity; Egyptians; Polychlorinated biphenyl congener; Quality risks; Water course; Water effects; carcinogen; macroinvertebrate; PCB; public health; spatial distribution; Sustainable Development Goal; water temperature; Article; autumn; high performance liquid chromatography; pH; principal component analysis; temperature; Geographic information systems; Health risks

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 2

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