scholarly journals The Potential of Wastewater Reuse for Agricultural Irrigation in Libya: Tobruk as a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-369 ◽  

<div> <p>The aim of this paper is to highlight the way towards the exploitation of treated wastewater for food crops production in order to cope with the acute water scarcity and its hazardous consequences. Reclaimed water reuse has not been practiced in Tobruk, and hence, lack of relevant data and information was the major difficulty in carrying out this research. The existing sewage treatment plant in Tobruk city produces about 7,000 cubic meters per day of suitable effluent for agricultural irrigation and safe discharge. This proportion is worth twice as much as the water being currently used for irrigation. Therefore, with proper planning and management, treated wastewater reuse schemes, in addition to their economical and environmental benefits, can be an efficient mechanism to cope with water shortage and reducing the high burden placed on the desalination plant. Wastewater reuse is considered as a reliable, secure, and drought-resistant water source. Owing to the lack of disinfection processes and routinely monitoring data, there is uncertainty concerning the microbiological safety and quality of the treated effluent. Public perception might be the major challenge facing the planning for a reuse scheme as 51 % of the population of Tobruk have shown their reluctance to consume food crops irrigated with treated wastewater. Nonetheless, public attitudes can be fostered by awareness through the media as some people, when the issue was discussed, have shown a positive response. In fact their main concerns were related to public health safety and potential negative environmental impacts which can be addressed through good planning and prudent management.</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p>

2011 ◽  
Vol 695 ◽  
pp. 626-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Soo Mun ◽  
Sang Ho Lee ◽  
Jung Hun Lee ◽  
Jeong Yul Suh ◽  
Ree Ho Kim

Urban areas consume huge amounts of water and produce much wastewater, which deteriorate the aquatic environment and exhaust the country’s freshwater resources. Water reuse from sewage and wastewater is recognized as a good option for securing water. There are several kinds of processes for improving the water quality. Nutrient removal is very important for water reuse, especially in water supply for outdoor use, to prevent water quality deterioration via eutrophication. Moreover, low cost and easy maintenance should be considered for nutrient removal. In this study, red mud and BauxsolTM, a mixed mineral powder made of physicochemically modified red mud residue generated by the Bayer process for alumina refineries, was used for the removal of nitrate and heavy metals in artificial solution, and of phosphate in final effluent, from a sewage treatment plant in Dae-gu, Republic of Korea. Nitrate removal by red mud showed little efficiency while heavy metal removal showed high efficiency. The concentrations of the total phosphate in the effluent and treated water were 1.51 and 0.14 mg/L, respectively, which represent about 90.7% removal. Before and after the treatment, the pH was maintained at a neutral range of 6.5-7.2. BauxsolTM also showed a high heavy metal removal capacity. Therefore, BauxsolTM in powder and pellet form can be applied individually or mixed with soil to improve water quality for water reuse.


2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 633-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwan Carré ◽  
Jean Pérot ◽  
Vincent Jauzein ◽  
Liming Lin ◽  
Miguel Lopez-Ferber

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectrometry as a complementary method for routine monitoring of reclaimed water production. Robustness of the models and compliance of their sensitivity with current quality limits are investigated. The following indicators are studied: total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrate. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) is used to find linear correlations between absorbances and indicators of interest. Artificial samples are made by simulating a sludge leak on the wastewater treatment plant and added to the original dataset, then divided into calibration and prediction datasets. The models are built on the calibration set, and then tested on the prediction set. The best models are developed with: PLSR for COD (Rpred2 = 0.80), TSS (Rpred2 = 0.86) and turbidity (Rpred2 = 0.96), and with a simple linear regression from absorbance at 208 nm (Rpred2 = 0.95) for nitrate concentration. The input of artificial data significantly enhances the robustness of the models. The sensitivity of the UV/Vis spectrometry monitoring system developed is compatible with quality requirements of reclaimed water production processes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Laura Gatto D'Andrea ◽  
Martín Alejandro Iribarnegaray ◽  
Walter Alfredo Tejerina ◽  
Ariela Griselda Judith Salas Barboza ◽  
Juan José Correa ◽  
...  

A model of land suitability analysis for irrigation with treated domestic wastewater is presented. The model integrates tools of Multi-Criteria Evaluation with Geographical Information Systems. Several criteria were selected to adapt the model to the conditions and characteristics of the case study. The adaptation process included field visits, a bibliographical review, and personal interviews with local actors and experts. Six constraints and 10 factors were selected and 3158 hectares suitable for the activity were identified. The areas were classified into three categories of aptitude, representing high fitness sites close to the current wastewater treatment plant. The developed tool allowed us to integrate different criteria to assess site suitability for wastewater reuse, with the advantage that the tool can be adapted to other regions and/or objectives.


Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingjian Cui ◽  
Shengxian Liang

Wastewater reuse for agricultural irrigation in many developing countries is an increasingly common practice. Regular monitoring of indicators can help to identify potential health risks; therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the presence and abundance of opportunistic pathogens in wastewater, as well as plant phyllosphere and rhizosphere. In this study, an anaerobic biofilm reactor (ABR) was developed to treat rural domestic wastewater; the performance of pollutants removal and pathogenic bacteria elimination were investigated. Additionally, we also assessed the physicochemical and microbiological profiles of soil and lettuces after wastewater irrigation. Aeromonas hydrophila, Arcobacter sp., Bacillus cereus, Bacteroides sp., Escherichia coli, Legionella sp., and Mycobacterium sp. were monitored in the irrigation water, as well as in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of lettuces. Pathogens like B. cereus, Legionella sp. and Mycobacterium sp. were present in treated effluent with relatively high concentrations, and the levels of A. hydrophila, Arcobacter sp., and E. coli were higher in the phyllosphere. The physicochemical properties of soil and lettuce did not vary significantly. These data indicated that treated wastewater irrigation across a short time period may not alter the soil and crop properties, while the pathogens present in the wastewater may transfer to soil and plant, posing risks to human health.


1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 421-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamim Ahmad

Excessive use of potable water in irrigation can be reduced considerably through treated wastewater reuse specially when fresh water resources in Qatar are scarce and the water supply depends on the limited groundwater and costly desalinated water. In view of the use of treated effluent in irrigation, the infiltration of brackish groundwater into the sewerage system should be eliminated and stringent standards to control leakages should be laid for new construction. The wastewater treatment methods and the effluent quality in general meet the criteria and standards governing the use of effluent in irrigation of landscape and agriculture. The reuse plan controls pollution by eliminating discharge of the wastewater to the gulf and contributes to the aesthetic and economic value of the area. The development of green areas along the roadside reservations and sidewalks through effluent reuse has been successful.The cultivation of fodder crops and development of forestry through effluent irrigation in agricultural farms far from the centre of population seems feasible and safe. However it is necessary to consider and evaluate the social and religious factors at the planning stage of the reuse schemes. With adequate planning,surviellance programme,health education,training of workers and awareness amongst the population, effluent reuse can be practised with minimum health risk and confidence can be established in the users.


2008 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 969-975 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. C. Wang ◽  
R. Chen ◽  
Q. H. Zhang ◽  
K. Li

In an arid and water deficient urban area, such as Xi'an in the northwest region of China, gardening and forestation often use large amounts of tap water. Therefore, there is a need for treated wastewater reuse for such purpose to mitigate urban water shortage, especially in the newly developed housing area, where a high green coverage is often required for both commercial value and living condition improvement. Supply of the treated wastewater through a centralized system which has been planned and partially constructed is one measure to meet such need, but it may require an extension of the distribution system for a full coverage of the whole city area. A supplementary measure is to construct decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse (DESAR) systems in areas that are distant from the planned centralized system. In order to optimize the plan of wastewater reuse for housing development in the urban area, the authors analyzed the existing plan of centralized wastewater reuse and the envisaged plan of housing development in Xi'an urban area. A method was proposed for selection of a feasible way of reclaimed water reuse from two options, namely centralized and decentralized ones, by introducing a critical distance L0 which depends on the relationship between the cost for DESAR system installation and that for water delivery pipeline construction. If the distance from the project site to the nearest access point of the centralized system L is shorter than L0 then using reclaim water from the centralized system becomes more feasible, and otherwise DESAR system installation becomes more feasible. A distribution map was thus obtained to show an optimized plan of centralized and decentralized wastewater reuse systems for housing development in Xi'an city. An example was also given to show the advantage of a DESAR system installed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 319
Author(s):  
Wojciech Halicki ◽  
Katarzyna Kita

<p class="emsd-body"><span lang="EN-GB">This paper discusses the efficiency of the removal of organic compounds using Improved Wetland System (IWS). IWS is used in Poland and enables reuse of treated effluent in landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. The first section of this paper discusses the advisability of removing organic compounds at the highest level. Additionally, the first section discusses the increase in frequency of treated wastewater reuse. So far, reuse of treated wastewater in local wastewater treatment systems included treatment and reuse of graywater only. The second section of this paper presents the average concentrations of organic compounds in domestic wastewater and the relationship existing between concentration of organic compounds in raw wastewater and water consumption. The second section discusses requirements for local (to 2000 population equivalent) wastewater treatment systems relating to reduction of organic compounds. The third section presents the current situation in rural areas in Poland and indicates the necessity of treated wastewater reuse mainly in these places. In Poland 43 % of the overall population occupies rural areas and about 70 % of them are not connected to a wastewater network. Implementation of water reuse technology (mainly IWS) is the easiest and the cheapest in rural areas. The fourth section presents the principle and the construction of the Improved Wetland System with water reuse. This part shows defects of Constructed Wetlands hindering reuse of treated wastewater. Additionally, this section discusses different steps and efficiency of wastewater treatment. The fifth section discusses results of removing organic compounds depending on hydraulic and contaminant loads. In addition, this section presents guidance on designing the IWS with technology that enables water reuse for flushing toilets and landscape irrigation. The last part of this paper discusses the summary and economic aspects of IWS used in Poland. In addition, the last part shows existing IWS </span><span lang="EN-GB">objects in Poland which provides water reuse to flushing toilets, landscape irrigation and for retention and recreational uses.</span></p>


2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 1563-1574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Dare ◽  
Rabi H. Mohtar ◽  
Chad T. Jafvert ◽  
Basem Shomar ◽  
Bernard Engel ◽  
...  

Abstract. Harsh environment, severe aridity, and climate change create chronic water shortages in the Middle East. Technical challenges, socio-economic factors, and competing uses of water have escalated the difficulties in water planning at national and institutional levels. This research identifies opportunities and challenges associated with wastewater treatment systems and the potential for wastewater reuse in the West Bank, Tunisia, and Qatar through the following objectives: (1) identify the factors associated with successful and unsuccessful reuse schemes, (2) compare treated wastewater quality with end use application of treated wastewater, and (3) identify the governance and social challenges preventing the use of treated wastewater, specifically in agricultural applications. Water quality analyses and consultations with farmers, local stakeholders, and water and agriculture experts were conducted. Opportunities and challenges for treated wastewater reuse in agriculture are identified as the proximity of the treatment facility to agricultural areas, water quality, and motivation of farmers. With proper maintenance and appropriate monitoring, the modest (natural) treatment facilities in the West Bank and secondary treatment technologies in Tunisia are capable of producing effluent safe for use in production of certain agricultural products; however, in Qatar, despite massive investments in producing high-quality treated wastewater using advanced treatment technologies, there is little demand. Water policies, laws and acts, and action plans are urgently needed to be coupled and integrated for implementation. Keywords: Arid lands, Food security, MENA, Wastewater treatment, Water reuse.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1604-1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isiaka Toyin Busari ◽  
Aidan Senzanje ◽  
Alfred O. Odindo ◽  
Chris A. Buckley

Abstract The need to cultivate effluent-irrigated rice is paramount and synonymous with treated wastewater reuse, recycling and water resources management. A trial in a peri-urban set-up with a low-cost decentralized wastewater treatment system (DEWATS) was carried out in the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons to assess the effect of irrigation water reuse management techniques on the yield and water productivity of rice. It was hypothesized that anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) irrigation water management does not have an effect on the yield of peri-urban grown rice. The impacts of irrigation water management techniques were very significant (P &lt; 0.001) on the number of irrigation events, amount of irrigation and daily water balance. The impact was not significant (P &gt; 0.05) on the tiller numbers per plant; it was however significant (P &lt; 0.05) on the panicle numbers per plant. The effects were not significant (P &gt; 0.05) on the plant height but significant (P &lt; 0.05) on the yield rice for both trials. The effect was also significant (P &lt; 0.05) on water productivity. The result proved that the hypothesis be rejected. It could be concluded that significant potential exists for applying wastewater reuse for non-drinking applications such as irrigation.


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