Assessing the Quality of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: A Case Study of Ain Sefra Wastewater Treatment Plant

Tayyib Moussaoui, Abdessamed Derdour (), Alia Hosni, Manuel Ballesta- de los Santos, Pilar Legua and Miguel Ángel Pardo-Picazo
Additional contact information
Tayyib Moussaoui: Laboratory for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, University Center of Naama; P.O. Box 66, Naama 45000, Algeria
Abdessamed Derdour: Laboratory for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, University Center of Naama; P.O. Box 66, Naama 45000, Algeria
Alia Hosni: Laboratory for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones, University Center of Naama; P.O. Box 66, Naama 45000, Algeria
Manuel Ballesta- de los Santos: Research Group in Plant Production and Technology, Plant Sciences and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Carretera de Beniel, Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Pilar Legua: Research Group in Plant Production and Technology, Plant Sciences and Microbiology Department, Miguel Hernández University (UMH), Carretera de Beniel, Km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Miguel Ángel Pardo-Picazo: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-20

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the water quality parameters in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Ain Sefra, southwestern Algeria. Various methods were employed to analyze the performance and suitability of the WWTP for irrigation. The results revealed effective removal of nitrates, with levels below the limit set for irrigation water. The dissolved oxygen content showed efficient biological processes and good degradation of organic matter. Phosphate levels were found to be within FAO and Algerian irrigation standards. However, elevated ammonia levels were observed, exceeding typical ranges for irrigation. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was evaluated by calculating groundwater suitability indices. These indices categorized all samples as either excellent or good based on their Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Kelly’s ratio. However, the sodium percentage values raised concerns about potential negative effects on the soil. Some samples were deemed unsuitable for irrigation because of high magnesium hazard and potential salinity values. These findings offer valuable insights into the performance and suitability of treated wastewater for irrigation in the Ain Sefra region. They can inform decision makers and stakeholders involved in agriculture and water management.

Keywords: wastewater quality effluent; Sodium Adsorption Ratio; groundwater contamination; reusing treated wastewater; irrigation suitability; Ain Sefra (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:11133-:d:1196151

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