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Cost Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Wastewater Reuse from Secondary and Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Plants

Author

Listed:
  • Sara AbdelMoula

    (Sanitary Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt)

  • Mohamed T. Sorour

    (Sanitary Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt)

  • Samia A. Abdelrahman Aly

    (Sanitary Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt)

Abstract

Irrigation with reclaimed water is a widespread solution to coping with water scarcity, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This paper presents a systematic evaluation approach of six treatment alternatives proposed for Alexandria WWTP in Egypt as an applied example. This approach evaluates the effluent quality and cubic meter price from the proposed treatment alternatives while managing the health risks associated with reclaimed water irrigation. Rotavirus, Salmonella, Giardia duodenalis, and Ascaris were studied as waterborne pathogens. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was used for the estimation of annual infection risks. The exposure scenarios include farmers and vegetable consumers. Activated sludge provided the lowest costs; however, it gave the lowest efficiencies and highest health risks. On the other hand, the highest efficiency and lowest health risks were obtained by the membrane bioreactor. The resulting price of a cubic meter of treated wastewater, used in irrigation, ranged from 0.082 to 0.133 USD. Irrigation using tertiary-treated wastewater achieved the target infection risk for unrestricted irrigation without using advanced treatment facilities. The results of this study could give a comprehensive view of reusing wastewater to decision-makers to address both water and food poverty not only in Egypt but also in other countries in MENA with similar economic and agro-ecological conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara AbdelMoula & Mohamed T. Sorour & Samia A. Abdelrahman Aly, 2021. "Cost Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Wastewater Reuse from Secondary and Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Plants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:13125-:d:688826
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chojnacka, K. & Witek-Krowiak, A. & Moustakas, K. & Skrzypczak, D. & Mikula, K. & Loizidou, M., 2020. "A transition from conventional irrigation to fertigation with reclaimed wastewater: Prospects and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    2. Jimenez, B. & Mara, D. & Carr, R. & Brissaud, F., 2010. "Wastewater treatment for pathogen removal and nutrient conservation: suitable systems for use in developing countries," IWMI Books, Reports H042608, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture," IWMI Books, Reports H040193, International Water Management Institute.
    4. María Fernanda Jaramillo & Inés Restrepo, 2017. "Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture: A Review about Its Limitations and Benefits," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-19, October.
    5. Molden, David, 2007. "Water for food, water for life: a comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture: summary," IWMI Books, Reports H039769, International Water Management Institute.
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