Water and sediment samples were collected from eight different locations along the River Nile and its branches. Residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH's), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), DDT's, cyclodienes and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) were analyzed by GLC. Data on Grand Total (GT) concentration values pointed out that Rosetta Branch was more polluted with all components than Demietta Branch. Kafr El-Ziate was the most polluted location showing 1355.8 ng/L for water and 7396.9 ng/g for sediments, while Delta Barrage was the least polluted site. The concentrations of gamma-HCH were higher than the other isomers (alpha- and beta-HCH) in all studied sites. The results showed that HCB was the smallest pollutant at all locations on comparison with other chlorinated hydrocarbons. El-Mansoura, Rosetta and Kafr El-Ziate sites contained the highest concentrations of DDT's in both water and sediment samples. P,P'-DDE was dominate in all locations of water samples, but P,P'-DDT was in sediment samples. Also, the results showed the prominent presence of cyclodienes when compared with the other OC's compounds in sediment samples, especially Aldrin. Kafr El-Ziate was the most polluted location by PCB's, particularly the Ar1242. However, there were increasing levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the sediment samples parallel to percentage extractable organic matter (% EOM). Sediment/water ratios were calculated for all locations.

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Delayed neurotoxic ataxia, similar to that caused by neurotoxic organophosphorous compounds, has been shown to occur in hens after oral administration of Cyanofenphos (O-ethyl-O-Cyanophenyl phenyl phosphonothionate) following either single or repeated oral doses. Axonal and myelin degeneration affecting the long tracts in spinal cord, peripheral nerves and medulla was demonstrated. The distal fibers with large diameters were particularly affected. This finding is a new contribution which has not been previously recorded. It implies that a thorough study of the structure-activity relationships of phosphonothionates regarding their delayed neurotoxic effect is warranted.

Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OC's) were analyzed by capillary GLC, using a varian 3400-ECD in sediment samples from Northern Off-Nile Delta Mediterranean Sea Coast. As a general trend the components levels were below 45 ng/g, excluding the anomalously high figure in samples. Remarkable variations in OC's concentrations were noted amongst locations, mostly due to cyclodienes followed by hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH's) and DDTs. The OC's concentrations were Extractable Organic Matter (EOM) dependent, with most polluted locations occurring past Rosetta Nile Branch mouth.