Evaluation of ultra-filtration ceramic membrane plant for the treatment of drinking water from Ram group aquifers in south Jordan

Abstract

Jordan is facing a severe shortage problem in drinking water resources which is becoming a top governmental priority to meet local water demands. Groundwaters are considered one of the main available resources. At Ram region south of Jordan, deep bedrock group Aquifers provide groundwater with elevated levels of radium isotopes of 226Ra and 228Ra that exceed health-based regulatory standards. The present study investigated the performance of the newly installed ultra-filtration ceramic membrane plant supported with hydrous manganese oxide process. The concentrations of Radium, 226Ra and 228Ra in treated water were 0.157 ± 0.061 Bq/l and 0.328 ± 0.187 Bq/l respectively. During more than 18 months of operation for 12 h daily, maximum removal efficiency achieved for 226Ra was 86.2% and for 228Ra was 92% with 99% of water recovery. The concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were analysed in collected soil samples from the dumping area nearby the plant. The radium equivalent activities, external radiation hazard index (Hex) and the internal radiation hazard index (Hin) associated with the natural radionuclides were calculated. For contaminated soil with wastewater from the backwash operation, the radium equivalent value was 3221.6 Bq/kg and both values of Hex and Hin were greater than unity. Recommendations on mentoring and safety procedures were highlighted.