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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Artificial Intelligence Laboratory for Mechanical and Civil Structures, and Soil, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Tayyib Moussaoui & Abdessamed Derdour & Alia Hosni & Manuel Ballesta-de los Santos & Pilar Legua & Miguel Ángel Pardo-Picazo, 2023. "Assessing the Quality of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation: A Case Study of Ain Sefra Wastewater Treatment Plant," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:14:p:11133-:d:1196151
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farouk Mezali & Meriem Chetibi & Khatir Naima & Abdessamed Derdour & Saida Benmamar & Hussein Almohamad & Fahdah Falah ben Hasher & Hazem Ghassan Abdo, 2025. "Enhancing Groundwater Recharge Assessment in Mediterranean Regions: A Comparative Study Using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Integrated with Geographic Information Systems for the Algiers Watershed," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-36, April.
    2. Reza Naimaee & Abbas Kiani & Sina Jarahizadeh & Seyed Babak Haji Seyed Asadollah & Pablo Melgarejo & Antonio Jodar-Abellan, 2024. "Long-Term Water Quality Monitoring: Using Satellite Images for Temporal and Spatial Monitoring of Thermal Pollution in Water Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Laid Bouchaala & Nabil Charchar & Nedjoud Grara & Ilham Ben Amor & Soumeia Zeghoud & Hadia Hemmami & Moussa Houhamdi & Agnieszka Szparaga & Otilia Cristina Murariu & Gianluca Caruso & Stefano Bellucci, 2025. "Assessing the Efficiency of Phragmites australis in Wastewater Treatment as a Natural Approach to Water Quality Improvement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-23, January.

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