Reusing Sewage Effluent in Greening Urban Areas: A Case Study of: Southern Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The foremost threat facing all living organisms is water pollution, which has a number of detrimental effects. Moreover, the search for alternative sources of clean water has become a high priority for all governments. The current study’s goal is to determine whether it is possible to use the treated wastewater found in wadi Al-Khumra effluent stream in Jeddah governorate in irrigating non-edible crops, gardens, and aromatic plants, instead of allowing it to flow into the sea without being put to any useful use. In light of its high nutritional value, notably in terms of Ca, Mg, and NO3, the results of the water analyses demonstrated the prevalence of its suitability for irrigation. The amount of potentially toxic elements in this water is markedly lower than the Saudi regulations’ permitted limit. Furthermore, the analysis results of soil samples collected from the sewage stream at the study sites showed the richness of this soil with various macro and micronutrients, though the level of some potentially toxic elements exceeded the permitted limits. Overall, before the competent authority decides to use these resources for reforestation and irrigation of some economically significant crops, the mineral content of irrigation water and the soil must be taken into consideration.