Author(s): N. Ismail
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Abstract: Field data of effluents discharged from natural wastewater treatment plants in arid regions have been examined to assess qualifications of meeting the quality standards established for irrigation with treated sewage water. The field data are collected for the natural treatment plant of Khirbet es Samra (KS) in Jordan, which discharges its effluent into the Zerka River, which in turn runs to the King-Talal Reservoir (KTR) for further dilution and storage. Water quality parameters of wastewater treated by natural processes and measured further downstream along the river showed high organic/inorganic loads in the river, which indicates insufficient microbial oxidation and possible unauthorized waste dumping. The data taken for the plant effluent compare reasonably well with data reported on similar plants in Saudi-Arabia and the U. S. A. and show that the treated wastewater could be used for restricted irrigation. Further use for unrestricted irrigation could be permitted if operational management of oxidation ponds and receiving surface water is well maintained.
Year: 1997