Challenges and Possible Solutions for Riverbank Filtration: Case Studies of Three Sites in Egypt

Abstract

In response to Egypt’s escalating water scarcity and pollution, Riverbank Filtration (RBF) technology is emerging as an effective solution to enhance water quality and simplify drinking water provision. This study evaluates RBF at three sites in Upper Egypt by assessing hydrogeological conditions and water quality based on 36 parameters from 2022 to 2023. Findings indicate that RBF efficiently treats infiltrated river water, with all sites meeting turbidity and microbiological standards (Total Bacterial Count and Coliforms), achieving removal rates of approximately 90% and 99%, respectively. Despite these successes, challenges persist in reducing manganese to safe levels, with concentrations at Alsaayda site reaching 0.51 mg/L, over the drinking water safe limit of 0.4 mg/L. To address this, further post-treatment strategies are proposed to remove the excess manganese. A practical application of an Oxidizer at the Bani Murr groundwater treatment plant has demonstrated the effective removal of iron and manganese, bringing their levels down to safe drinking water standards. This case exemplifies a successful solution for iron and manganese removal. This research highlights RBF’s potential in water treatment in developing countries, while emphasizing the need for supplementary measures to manage specific contaminants.