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The Litani River, Lebanon: An Assessment and Current Challenges pp 71–86Cite as

Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Environmental Status of Qaraaoun Reservoir

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Part of the book series: Water Science and Technology Library ((WSTL,volume 85))

Abstract

Qaraaoun Reservoir , the largest freshwater body in Lebanon , is a vital organ for the Bekaa region . It is used for hydropower generation, fishing, crop irrigation , and tourist activities. In this chapter, we assess the evolution of its physico-chemical and ecological status and compare it with the results of previous studies. The lake, which is considered as monomictic , stratifies in spring and summer providing different physico-chemical compositions at different depths. The trophic state of the lake has not witnessed any improvements in the last 10 years. Its phytoplankton community has low biodiversity and is dominated by toxic cyanobacterial blooms Microcystis aeruginosa and Aphanizomenon ovalisporum. Due to these toxic blooms, using its water for swimming and drinking should be avoided under the present conditions. For safe use of its water, an effective management at the level of its watershed is highly recommended to improve water quality .

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Acknowledgement

This work has been funded with support from the National Council for Scientific Research—Lebanon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for Remote Sensing, National Council for Scientific Research, Riad El Solh, P.O. Box 11-8281, Beirut, 1107 2260, Lebanon

    Ali Fadel

  2. Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon

    Kamal Slim

Authors
  1. Ali Fadel
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  2. Kamal Slim
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ali Fadel .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Remote Sensıng Center, National Council for Scientific Research, Beirut, Lebanon

    Amin Shaban

  2. National Council for Scientific Research , Beirut, Lebanon

    Mouin Hamzé

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Fadel, A., Slim, K. (2018). Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Environmental Status of Qaraaoun Reservoir. In: Shaban, A., Hamzé, M. (eds) The Litani River, Lebanon: An Assessment and Current Challenges. Water Science and Technology Library, vol 85. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-76300-2_5

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