Treated and Wastewater Quality Characterization of Sidi Marouane WWTP іn Mila Province, Algeria: Suitability аnd Reuse for Irrigation

This study aims to evaluate the quality of wastewater treated by Mila's activated sludge process, assessing its potential for agricultural reuse. Effective wastewater treatment is essential to mitigate health risks associated with the use of surface and groundwater resources. Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation is a key objective, especially in arid and semiarid regions where water scarcity is prevalent. The research adheres to Algerian regulations, which currently restrict the reuse of urban effluent. We conducted comprehensive analyses of several critical parameters, including in situ measurements of temperature and pH using multi-parameter field probes. Laboratory analyses were performed to determine levels of suspended matter (SM), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrates (NO3), nitrites (NO2), ammonium (NH4), and total nitrogen (TN) using spectrophotometric and conventional techniques. To assess the irrigation suitability of the treated wastewater, we evaluated electrical conductivity (EC), sodium percentage (Na%), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), magnesium ratio (MR), and Kelley ratio (KR). Our findings, derived from field visits and observations of the purification processes, indicate that the treated effluents generally comply with quality standards for key pollutants, particularly BOD5, COD, and SM. The treated water meets the regulatory requirements for discharge into the receiving environment. Additionally, the evaluated parameters, including the average SAR value, which falls within acceptable limits, indicate that the treated wastewater is suitable for agricultural irrigation. Overall results showed no alkalinities, magnesium, or bicarbonate dangers associated with using Sidi Marouane WWPT's purified water for agriculture, indicating that the treated wastewater is suitable for agricultural irrigation.