Dissolved organic matter status in Damietta estuary of the Nile.

The seasonal distribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Damietta estuary of the Nile was investigated to show the influence of organic pollution. The DOM values increased generally with depth. The vertical values of DOM varied from 0.23-9.97 mg O/l. The average DOM values gave noticeable local variations in each month and pronounced monthly variations at each station. The maximum monthly average value in August coincided principally with elevation of temperature and the minimum in December is due mainly to the drop in temperature. The direct effect of pollution, in increasing the DOM content in the estuary, decreases relatively towards the sea, as indicated by the minimum regional average DOM value at the mouth of Damietta estuary. An inverse relationship was found generally between the averages of DOM and those of dissolved oxygen.