Evaluating Temporal Changes in Water Quality Due to Urbanization: A Multi-Year Observational Study in Khalid Khor, Sharjah, UAE

Norhan Ahmed¹Areej Mohammad¹Sandra Knuteson²Fatin Samara^2*

• ¹Engineering Systems Management Program, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• ²Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

This study examined the temporal fluctuations in key water quality indices in Khalid Khor, Sharjah, UAE, from 2007 to 2023, with a focus on understanding the impact of urbanization on aquatic ecosystems. Parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity, temperature, and coliform concentrations were analyzed using descriptive statistics, box plots, and scatter plots to illustrate trends over time. Advanced statistical methods, including the Kruskal-Wallis test and pairwise comparisons through the Mann-Whitney U test, were employed to identify significant temporal differences across the years. The study found a notable increase in temperature, with a significant peak in 2017 (p = 0.0002), which likely reflects urban heat effects and reduced water flow. Conductivity showed a rising trend after 2015, with spikes in 2011 and 2014 potentially linked to urban runoff events. TDS levels varied significantly, with a marked increase in 2014 followed by a gradual decline through 2023, indicating changes in pollutant discharge and runoff patterns. Coliform levels displayed significant variations, with particularly high counts in 2007 compared to later years (e.g., p=0.0070 for 2007 vs. 2022), highlighting episodic pollution events likely due to inadequate wastewater management. DO levels fluctuate over the study period, with a notable decline around 2016, corresponding to lower oxygen availability, which may be linked to nutrient runoff and warmer temperatures. The pH levels remained relatively stable, ranging from 8.0 to 8.5, but with occasional deviations in years like 2015 (p = 0.0001), likely due to industrial discharges or environmental changes. This comprehensive analysis underscores the significant impact of urbanization on water quality, with clear shifts in physical, chemical, and biological parameters over time. The study provides essential insights for policymakers and urban planners, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and improved water management strategies to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization. These findings highlight the importance of sustaining urban water bodies through effective regulatory measures to maintain water quality and ecosystem health amidst continued development pressures.