Studies of Al Asfar and Al Uyoun Evaporation Lakes Water Quality and the Potential of Its Reuse in Agriculture Activities, Al Hassa Area, KSA

Abstract

Studies of Al Asfar and Al Uyoun Evaporation Lakes…satellite image processing software (ERDAS Imagine) were used for the integration of the output parameters of this study and for visualization of their spatial distribution. The results indicate that surface water of Al Asfar and Al Uyoun lakes are characterized by relatively low salinity and then encourage to re-treat this considerable quantity of water and to reuse it in agricultural purposes. This will lead to minimization of the sabkha extension, mitigation of its impact on the nearby farms of Al Hassa oasis and mitigation of aquifer recharge with high saline water and optimization of water use of this surface water body in this arid environment. The results of this study are important in any future development of the Al Asfar and Al Uyoun areas in planning.

Unexplored Potential: Metabolite Screening of Local Lake Algae Isolated from Al-Asfar Lake in Saudi Arabia

“…While earlier research studies on Al-Asfar and Al Uyoun lakes confirmed the presence of a wide diversity of microalgal species, their characteristics, and commercial importance, the microalgae present have never been investigated [3]. Hence, in our study, we identified and profiled, in comparison with 5 commercial algae, 168 crucial metabolites of local microalgae.…”

“…At its heart lies an extensive irrigation network with 1450 km of concrete channels, and the impressive Al-Asfar Lake, the largest evaporation lake in the country, located 13 km to the east. These artificial or natural evaporation lakes play a vital role in connecting water and land environments, providing habitat for wildlife, mitigating pollution impacts, replenishing groundwater resources, and offering flood protection [1][2][3]. Al-Asfar Lake, nestled in the Al-Ahsa region, is a natural reservoir teeming with diverse microalgae variants unique to Saudi Arabia.…”

“…In Al-Asfar Lake, four algal classes have been identified: Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Euglenophyceae, with Chlorella sp., Chlorococcus humicola, Monoraphidium contortum, Oedogonium sp., Cyclotella meneghiniana, Gyrosigma sp., Fragilaria capucina, Navicula lanceolata, Surirella obonga, Synedra acus, Tabellaria sp., and Oscillatoria sp. among the most frequently observed microalgae species [3]. However, despite this knowledge, the commercial potential of these microalgae species has not been explored, necessitating the development of effective techniques for isolating and screening the chemical and physical compositions of microalgal strains that play pivotal roles in manufacturing valuable metabolites.…”

Bacterial Diversity in Al-Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

“…3 The lake is characterized by a massive expanse of open water and extensive growth of flora much appears around the lake. 4,5 The lake has a shallow depth that inhibits thermal stratification where the maximum depth of the lake reaches 1.5 meters, and the water temperature of the lake follows the temperature of the surrounding air. 6 The lake water had a narrow alkaline nature pH range ranging from 7 to 8.3.…”

“…6 The lake water had a narrow alkaline nature pH range ranging from 7 to 8.3. 5 l-Asfar Lake is marked by heavy metal pollution such as copper, zinc, and cadmium which is a significant problem with wide-ranging environmental impacts including the decline in water quality and accumulation of metals in aquatic organisms' tissues. 6 This bioaccumulation can lead to high concentrations of toxic metals in the food chain, potentially affecting human health if contaminated fish are consumed.…”