Geochemical, mineralogical and pollution assessment of River Nile sediments at Assiut Governorate, Egypt

River sediments have great impact on water and aquatic life quality. Geochemical and mineralogical composition of River Nile sediments (13 samples) were investigated to differentiate between geogenic and anthropogenic sources of harmful elements at Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The Sediment Quality Index (SQI) and pollution indices were applied. Mineralogically, sediments composed mainly of Quartz (72.3%) followed by Na-albite, anorthite and montmorillonite. Chemical composition is governed by SiO2 (62.57%) supporting mineralogical composition. Geochemical interrelation indicated the anthropogenic source of As, Cd, and Co as well as the mixed source (geogenic and anthropogenic) of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn. Pollution indices showed the minor enrichment of sediments with Cd, Zn, and Cr, moderate pollution with Ni and moderate to severe pollution with Co. Based on SQI, the sediments generally were of good quality with only emerged harmful impact of Cr. Finally, the Nile Sediments quality must be monitored regularly to emphasize the protection of the Nile's environment.