The ability of using treated wastewater for irrigation purposes: middle Euphrates of Iraq as a case study

Abstract

Abstract The sustainability of water resources is the goal of the present research. Samples of wastewater after treatment are collected from the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPS) located in the Middle Euphrates provinces of Iraq (Najaf, Karbala, Diwaniya, and Babylon); as a case study. The physical, chemical, and heavy metals parameters tests of these samples will be carried out throughout the year and during the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). The results showed that the minimum average exceeded the standards for EC, TDS, and TSS concentrations of all seasons are 7.74%, 0.77%, and 52.5%; respectively; while for COD, BOD, SO42-, and NH4 are 43.48%, 172.72%, 44.09%, and 92.02%; respectively. The other concentration of parameters is within standards and give the ability to irrigate potentially eaten fresh vegetables and fruits within two weeks of irrigation, cooked vegetables and fruits if not done water it within two weeks of harvesting it; such as Fodder, Crops, Grains, parks and civic roadsides, and sports stadiums, Fruit trees, Sides of external roads, Green landscapes, Cereals and Forage Crops, Industrial crops and Forest Trees. A SWOT analysis is conducted to assess the ability to use this treated wastewater for irrigation purposes as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is concluded that the ability to use this treated wastewater for irrigation some kinds of plants on different seasons. Also; it is concluded that some units of WWTPs need to rehabilitate and treat the parameters that out-off standards to be suitable to irrigate other kinds of plants.