Performance Assessment of Three Wastewater Treatment Plants Producing Effluents for Irrigation

Abstract

Three wastewater treatment plants, in Kuwait, producing effluents for irrigation were assessed. The assessment was directed to determine the characteristics of the raw wastewater, the quality of the treated effluents, and the efficiency of the various steps of treatment. The assessment of the quality of treated effluents was based on the standards established by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) according to the reuse plans of the effluents for irrigation. Analyses were carried out for conventional parameters, trace metals, toxic trace organics as well as bacteria. Results of analyses showed that only one plant was producing effluent meeting the requirements of MPW. The results of this preliminary investigation indicated that despite the toxic constituents in the raw wastewater, they did not constitute a significant problem in the treatment process; two of the three treatment plants violated the reuse standards with respect to the conventional parameters.