Evaluation of possible options for reuse of Ardebil wastewater treatment plant effluent

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in wastewater treatment have resulted in production of well-treated effluents which are suitable for use in more different sectors. In fact, these reclaimed wastewaters would be regarded as new water resources in many regions. In this research, the area studied was the city of Ardebil in northwest of Iran. At present, the effluent of Ardebil wastewater treatment plant is discharged into Qaresoo River. In this study, different aspects of Ardebil wastewater reuse have been investigated. Sampling of the effluent was performed in winter 2006 and summer 2007; and parameters indicating the suitability of wastewater discharge and/or reuse were considered in accordance to the recommendations of Iran Department of Environment. All the analyses were accomplished according to the latest edition of standard methods. Results clearly showed that apart from the problem of total and fecal coliforms which were above the standard values[1000 MPN and 400 MPN per 100 mL] the reuse of the treated effluent in agricultural irrigation could be carried out without restriction. But, regarding the discharge of this effluent into surface waters and injection wells, it would be necessary to upgrade treatment processes for further reduction of a few parameters such as nitrate, ammonium and phosphate