Chemical Evaluation of Ma'an Sewage Effluents and its Reuse in Irrigation Purposes

The present study investigates the chemical composition of Ma'an Wastewater Treatment Plant in south Jordan. Samples of effluent of this plant were collected over 1 year period. All samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, major ions (Cl-, NO3-, HCO3-, SO42-, PO43-, Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+) and trace metals B, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. The pH value ranges from 6.79 to 8.15 with a median value of 7.39 +/- 0.32. The water quality was characterized by its high salinity hazard (C3) and low sodium hazard (S1) which can be considered as marginal for human consumption. Moreover, concentrations of trace metals in treated wastewater were found to be low and within guidelines for irrigation water due to low level of industrialization activities in the study area. Generally, the result of this study suggests that the treated wastewater is suitable for irrigational purposes, while these effluents can be considered as possible additional resources for irrigation in Jordan.