Assiut University monitors the health of aquatic ecosystems through specific faculties, departments, or research centers within the university could be involved in such activities.

https://www.aun.edu.eg/agriculture/node/40191

+ https://www.aun.edu.eg/science/ar/department/geology

 In addition, our university conduct research projects related to aquatic ecosystems

1. Environmental research project concerned with using green environmental analysis methods to protect water resources

https://www.aun.edu.eg/main/president-assiut-university-congratulates-faculty-members-who-won-funding-german-academic-exchange

2. Monitoring the changes in the quality of drinking water through nine years in Assiut governorate, Egypt

https://esugj.journals.ekb.eg/article_301497.html

3. Maintaining Chlorine Levels:

The Faculty of Engineering at Assiut University has conducted studies using advanced software to model the quality of drinking water within the distribution network to ensure its safety. This study aim also to maintain an optimal level of residual free chlorine in the water to ensure effective disinfection.

https://m2.youm7.com/story/2013/10/9/%D9%83%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B7-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B3-%D8%B3%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A8/1289825

4. Regular testing of well water is conducted in university laboratories. 

https://www.aun.edu.eg/main/ar/mdrs-bjamt-asywt-yln-n-slahyt-almyah-aljwfyt-fy-asywt-llastkhdam-aladamy-walsnay-fy-mwtmr-lmy

https://www.aun.edu.eg/agriculture/index.php/ar/unit/land_lab

. Assiut University has an official plan to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems.

The university’s plan focuses on protecting aquatic ecosystems from human-induced changes and maintaining their ecological integrity. This includes measures to prevent habitat disruption, control pollution, and conserve biodiversity.

Official Plan – Assiut University [aun.edu.eg]

Mechanisms for recycling water and using it again in Assiut University

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN EGYPT

Assiut University has an official policy to prevent and reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The policy includes measures such as:

• Waste management and reduction, including proper handling of solid, plastic, and hazardous/chemical waste. 

• Prevention of pollutants entering waterways, including measures related to wastewater and stormwater. 

• Protection of aquatic ecosystems, including rivers and other water bodies connected to broader aquatic ecosystems. 

• Environmental awareness and education for students, staff, and the local community. 

• Collaboration with governmental, industrial, and community organizations to promote pollution prevention and water-quality protection.

Yes. Assiut University has policies and practices to uphold water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges, ensuring the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. These measures are part of its environmental stewardship and sustainability framework.

• Water Quality Monitoring: The university monitors water quality in local water bodies and campus facilities, comparing results with Egyptian Law No. 458/2007 and WHO guidelines for drinking and discharge standards.
  Monitoring Water Quality in Assiut Governorate [esugj.jour...als.ekb.eg]

https://esugj.journals.ekb.eg/article_301497.html

• Environmental Stewardship Program: Assiut University runs programs to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems, which include monitoring water quality and biodiversity, and offering grants for research on improving water quality.
  Environmental Stewardship Program – Assiut University [aun.edu.eg]
• Community Service and Environmental Development Sector: Oversees compliance with environmental regulations, including water discharge standards, and implements training programs for sustainable water management.
  Environmental Affairs Sector – Assiut University [aun.edu.eg]

water quality Policy

Assiut University works directly on technologies and practices that help the marine and freshwater industries minimize or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems through research, training, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. Here’s a detailed summary with evidence:

• Collaborative Research on Pollution and Habitat Protection
  The Faculty of Science conducts studies on the environmental impacts of marine and freshwater industries, including pollution, habitat degradation, and chemical contamination. Research includes monitoring microplastics in fish from the Red and Mediterranean Seas and assessing industrial pollutants like pyrogallol and nonylphenol to develop mitigation strategies.

   

• Policy and Industry Collaboration
  The university has a formal policy to prevent marine pollution from land-based activities, including partnerships with local industries to implement best practices for waste management and water quality monitoring.
  Report: Policy on Preventing Marine Pollution [aun.edu.eg]

• Research on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
  Through the Aquatic Animals Medicine and Management Unit, Assiut University provides training in fish farming, aquaculture, and molecular biology, promoting sustainable practices that reduce environmental harm.
  Assiut University SDG14 Initiatives [aun.edu.eg]

• International Conferences and Innovation
  The university organizes conferences such as “Innovative Solutions in Biology for a Sustainable Future” to address environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and sustainable marine practices.
  Second International Conference of Biological Sciences [aun.edu.eg]

• The faculty of science at our university conducted an extensive research on the environmental impacts of marine and freshwater industries, including pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing. 

1. Exposure to pyrogallol impacts the hemato-biochemical endpoints in catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

… industrial applications and can subsequently contaminate  aquatic ecosystems . Here, we report for the first time the …

Alaa El-Din Ha… - 02/22/2024

2. Oxidative stress, antioxidant defense responses, and histopathology: Biomarkers for monitoring exposure to pyrogallol in Clarias gariepinus

… biomarkers of pyrogallol exposure and contamination in  aquatic ecosystems . Additional studies should characterize …

Alaa El-Din Ha… - 02/22/2024

3. Distribution, abundance, and composition of microplastics in market fishes from the Red and Mediterranean seas in Egypt

… plastic debris that potentially elicits adverse effects in aquatic organisms. In Egypt,  microplastic  pollution … of the risk MPs pose to fisheries and  marine ecosystems  by demonstrating their widespread presence …

Alaa El-Din Ha… - 02/22/2024

4. A simple approach to water and plankton sampling for water microbiological and physicochemical characterizations at various depths in aquatic ecosystems

… and physicochemical characterizations at various depths in aquatic ecosystems Research Authors … and physicochemical characterizations at various depths of aquatic ecosystems are basic requirements in several fields …

Fatthy Mohamed… - 04/20/2021

5. 4-Nonylphenol induced morphological and histopathological malformations in Bufo regularis tadpoles

… Pollution especially chemicals are found to contaminate aquatic ecosystems and their animals including fish and amphibians … is one of the most dangerous chemicals that are recorded in aquatic environments, bacterial degradation of nonylphenol …

Usama Mohamed … - 04/20/2021

6. 4-Nonylphenol induced morphological and histopathological malformations in Bufo regularis tadpoles

… Pollution especially chemicals are found to contaminate aquatic ecosystems and their animals including fish and amphibians … is one of the most dangerous chemicals that are recorded in aquatic environments, bacterial degradation of nonylphenol …

Alaa El-Din Ha… - 04/20/2021

7. 4-Nonylphenol induced morphological and histopathological malformations in Bufo regularis tadpoles

… Pollution especially chemicals are found to contaminate aquatic ecosystems and their animals including fish and amphibians … is one of the most dangerous chemicals that are recorded in aquatic environments, bacterial degradation of nonylphenol …

Imam Ahmed Abd… - 04/20/2021

8. Common zooplankton of North-west region (Tabuk) of Saudi Arabia

… They occupy a central position in the food chain in the aquatic ecosystems between primary producers and higher consumers. … and other food sources, zooplankton plays a role in aquatic food webs, as a resource for consumers on higher …

Ahmad Hamed Ob… - 04/20/2021

9. 4-Nonylphenol induced morphological and histopathological malformations in Bufo regularis tadpoles

… Pollution especially chemicals are found to contaminate aquatic ecosystems and their animals including fish and amphibians … is one of the most dangerous chemicals that are recorded in aquatic environments, bacterial degradation of nonylphenol …

Sara Salah Abd… - 04/20/2021

10. Toxicity of co-exposure of microplastics and lead in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

… Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging threat to freshwater ecosystems with several ecotoxicological ramifications for … metals on their surfaces and increase their availability to aquatic organisms. The combined impact of lead and …

Alaa El-Din Ha… - 02/22/2024

محمد حسن لنيل درجة الماجستير في البيولوجيا الجزيئية تخصص (الميكروبيولوجيا الجزيئية).

بعنوان: "المعالجة الحيوية للمركبات الهيدروكربونية بواسطة الكائنات الدقيقة في البيئة المائية"

"Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons Compounds (Crude Oil) by Microorganisms in Aquatic Ecosystem

1. Introduction

Assiut University recognizes that the food it buys, prepares and sells affects public health, local livings and the health of the Nile and the wider aquatic environment. This policy sets the standards the University applies when sourcing food for its dormitories, cafeterias, catering services and events, with particular attention to food that comes from aquatic ecosystems: fish, shellfish and other aquatic animals, whether wild-caught or farmed.

The policy supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 14 (life below water), and Egypt Vision 2030. It is intended to operate alongside [Law No. 182 of 2018 Regulating Contracts Concluded by Public Entities, as amended by Law No. 188 of 2020, and its Executive Regulations issued under Minister of Finance Decree No. 692 of 2019, as amended].

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• dormitory kitchens and feeding services;
• cafeterias, restaurants and kiosks operated by or for the University;
• catering for university events, conferences and meetings;
• food sold or distributed from university farms and teaching facilities, including fish produced at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine's teaching fish farm [https://www.aun.edu.eg/main/assiut-university-president-witnesses-fishing-300-kg-tilapia-first-production-farms-veterinary],  
• The university also maintains fish-production facilities associated with the Faculty of Agriculture, the proposed operation of its fish-production unit as part of a development plan https://aun.edu.eg/env_units/de/node/43412.

3. Policy objectives

• Health and food safety. Serve safe, hygienic, nutritious food, using only suppliers approved under Egyptian food safety rules.
• Environmental responsibility. Prefer food produced in ways that protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and reduce food waste.
• Sustainable use of aquatic resources. Buy fish and other aquatic food only from sources that are legal, traceable and not contributing to overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing or destructive fishing practices.
• Local economic resilience. Support legitimate local producers, including small and medium enterprises, where they meet the standards in this policy.
• Transparency and accountability. Measure, report and publish performance each year.
• Education and awareness. Use the University's teaching, research and outreach role to raise awareness about sustainable aquatic food.

4. Policy principles

1. Legality first. No food is bought from a source that breaches Egyptian law or the rules of the relevant fisheries or food safety authorities.

2. Traceability. Aquatic food must be traceable to a named producer, landing site or farm, and to a license where one is required.

3. Precaution. Where the sustainability of a source or species is unclear, the University chooses the more cautious option or does not buy it.

4. Life-cycle thinking. Consider environmental effects from production to disposal, including packaging and food waste.

5. Due diligence. Assess suppliers for sustainability, labor and legal risks before contracting and during the contract.

6. Fair dealing. Treat suppliers ethically and require fair treatment of their workers.

7. Evidence-based standards. Use veterinary, fisheries and aquaculture expertise within the University to inform and check requirements.

5. General food sourcing requirements

1. Purchasing committees and suppliers shall prefer locally produced agricultural and animal products where quality, safety and price are acceptable, in support of the local economy and sustainable livelihoods.

2. Fruit and vegetable suppliers shall be asked to minimize or avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers where feasible.

3. The current official evidence actually shows that Assiut University has its own established system for food and organic waste, including contracted waste handlers. The university's 2024/2025 reporting states that food waste is collected in sealed bags, placed in designated containers, and transported daily to the Faculty of Agriculture's animal and poultry production farms; it also reports recycling/processing of university food waste. 

   More importantly, in November 2025, the university's Solid and Agricultural Waste Recycling Committee reviewed the terms and conditions for contractors responsible for collecting solid, ordinary and agricultural waste. This demonstrates that waste collection is currently managed through university contracting arrangements rather than necessarily through the Governorate

   https://www.aun.edu.eg/env_units/en/sector/node/43232

6. Monitoring and review

The University shall monitor performance annually, using the indicators in Section 10, and publish a summary report. The policy shall be reviewed every 12 months and after any significant change in national law.

7. Training and awareness

1. Staff training. Procurement, kitchen and receiving staff shall receive training on this policy, food safety, species identification and documentation checks.

2. Supplier briefing. Suppliers shall be informed of the requirements before contracting.

3. Student and community awareness. The University will include sustainable aquatic food, overfishing, IUU fishing and destructive fishing in its awareness and outreach activities, working with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Science and the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector.

 - Nile River protection and sustainability seminar — 9 April 2025: Assiut University organized an awareness seminar in collaboration with CEMEX and the Ferry Nile environmental initiative. The event addressed Nile protection, sustainability and community engagement, including initiatives involving local fishermen. 

https://aun.edu.eg/main/index.php/assiut-university-organizes-awareness-seminar-protecting-nile-river-and-promoting-sustainability?

Nile-cleaning campaign — 10 April 2025: Approximately 40 university students participated in a campaign to remove plastic and solid waste from the Nile at Bosra village, Assiut Governorate. The campaign aimed to promote environmental awareness and protect water resources. 

https://aun.edu.eg/main/index.php/assiut-university-students-participate-campaign-clean-nile-river-bosra-village

Water sustainability awareness seminar — 14 April 2025: The University's Sustainable Development Center organized an event entitled “Water: The Resource of Life and the Wealth of the Future” to mark World Water Day, involving university representatives and charitable organizations working in the water sector. 

https://aun.edu.eg/main/ar/jamt-asywt-tnzm-ndwt-twwyt-bnwan-almyah-mwrd-alhyat-wthrwt-almstqbl-ahtfalaan-balywm-alalmy-llmyah

Aquatic ecosystem conservation: The Aquatic Animals Medicine Management Unit held seminars and on aquatic ecosystem conservation and sustainable management of marine and freshwater resources. 

https://aun.edu.eg/veterinary_medicine/Aquatic-Medicine-Unit/vision&mission

 Meat, Poultry, Fish and Fish Quality Training Center Course on Therapeutic Nutrition

Fish and human health at a seminar at Assiut University

Assiut University offers a diverse range of educational programs that promote sustainable development, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as Fish Biology (Z280) and Fish Farming (Z295). A key research and training hub within the university is the Aquatic Animals Medicine and Management Unit, which is dedicated to advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices. This unit provides specialized training in fish farming techniques, aquaculture system management, and molecular biology applications, ensuring that graduates and professionals are equipped with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to support food security and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the Faculty of Science is a cornerstone of Assiut University’s efforts to advance education and research related to sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. Moreover, the Faculty of Agriculture provided studies related to analyze the role of agricultural extension in developing the fisheries sector in Assiut Governorate.

(1) The Department of Aquatic Animals Medicine and Management 

The Department of Aquatic Animals Medicine and Management at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine focuses on education and research related to the health and sustainable management of aquatic species within freshwater ecosystems. Its programs cover fish physiology, disease diagnosis and treatment, and best practices for aquaculture management. The department conducts applied research on water quality, pathogen control, and the impact of environmental changes on aquatic animal health, aiming to improve productivity and ensure ecological balance. Equipped with specialized laboratories and experimental facilities, it provides hands-on training for students and professionals in fish farming, aquatic veterinary care, and ecosystem monitoring. Through collaboration with fisheries, aquaculture enterprises, and environmental agencies, the department contributes to food security, biodiversity conservation, and the development of sustainable freshwater resource management strategies. The unit offers fish-farming/aquaculture training courses and educational seminars. 

• Diploma in Fish Diseases
• PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences – Fish Diseases and Care
• Fish-related postgraduate/research activity within the aquatic-animal discipline.

article_179669_4fba1642f9ff406791dfca4635ac63a1.pdf

(2) The Department of Zoology and Entomology 

The Department of Zoology and Entomology at the Faculty of Science is a cornerstone of Assiut University’s efforts to advance education and research on freshwater ecosystems. Its academic programs cover a wide range of topics, including aquatic biodiversity, ecological interactions, and the impact of environmental changes on freshwater habitats. The department offers specialized courses such as Fish Biology and Fish Farming, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in aquatic sciences. Research activities focus on monitoring water quality, studying the physiology and behavior of aquatic organisms, and assessing the effects of pollution and climate change on ecosystem health. Modern laboratories and field stations enable hands-on training and advanced research using molecular biology, ecological modeling, and GIS technologies. Through collaborations with national and international institutions, the department contributes to sustainable fisheries management, conservation of aquatic biodiversity, and the development of strategies for ecosystem restoration. Community outreach programs and workshops further ensure that scientific knowledge is translated into practical solutions for local and national stakeholders.

(3) Faculty of Agriculture:

The faculty of Agriculture provided studies related to analyze the role of agricultural extension in developing the fisheries sector in Assiut Governorate, as it represents a key pillar for achieving food security and sustainable development. The research highlights the importance of agricultural extension in raising awareness among farmers and investors about best practices in fish farming, water resource management, and disease control in aquatic species. It also focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of current extension programs in improving productivity and resource efficiency.

The university discusses developing the fish production unit at Faculty of Agriculture farms and El-Ghareeb Farm, including its role in practical training for Agriculture students and sustainable agricultural development

https://aun.edu.eg/env_units/en/sector/node/43412?

(4) Community outreach and Parentship

In April 2025, Assiut University organized a seminar on protecting the Nile River and supporting the local community, in cooperation with CEMEX and the Ferry Nile environmental initiative. The initiative included a project concerned with improving the conditions of fishermen.

https://aun.edu.eg/main/index.php/assiut-university-organizes-awareness-seminar-protecting-nile-river-and-promoting-sustainability?

There is evidence of partnerships relevant to aquatic sustainability.

The 2025 Nile sustainability seminar involved:

• Assiut University;
• CEMEX;  
• the Ferry Nile environmental initiative;
• a project concerned with improving fishermen's conditions. 

The university also cooperate with government bodies such as the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in relation to freshwater management.