Pollution effects of the wastewater flow on the groundwater quality in Wadi-Samen catchment Hebron Palestine

Other Title(s)

آثار التلوث بمياه الصرف الصحي على نوعية المياه الجوفية في حوض وادي السمن الخليل فلسطين

Dissertant

Zarir, Muhammad

Thesis advisor

Ghanim, Marwan

Comitee Members

Rimawi, Husayn
Abu Ali, Hijazi

University

Birzeit University

Faculty

Institute of Environmental and Water Studies

Department

Water and Environmental Sciences

University Country

Palestine (West Bank)

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2017

English Abstract

The aim of this research is to study wastewater flowing from Kiryat-Arba settlement and the industrial zone in Hebron as a source of pollution in Wadi-Samen in terms of spring water quality.

It also aims to identify the different pollutants and their potential sources, their actual impacts on groundwater sources and their effects on the socio-economic aspects on the population of the study area.

Thus, identifying possible measures to improve the current situation.

To achieve this, water samples for this study it was collected in two phases: the first one included six samples of spring water and five samples of wastewater in the dry season (June, 2015).

On the other hand, the second period included six samples of spring water and five samples of wastewater; moreover, these samples were collected in the wet season (March, 2015).

After analyzing the results of wastewater samples using Microsoft Excel, the results showed the enormous existence of BOD5 more than 250 mg/l and the increase of COD 400 mg/l in wastewater in the valley in dry season due to the contribution to villages of (Al-Hela, Al-Rihiya and Wadi Abu- Al-Asja) which pump wastewater toward the valley.

Because of the correlation between electrical conductivity (EC and TDS), their values may have followed similar behavior in terms of stability in the last part of the valley.

In addition, phosphate concentrations (PO-34) were not recorded to be over the limit.

In contrast, the majority of TSS values have exceeded the limit of 150 mg/l.

On the other hand, it was used Excel and Aquachem software packages were used to analyze springs water results that showed a slight indicators of wastewater pollution.

Furthermore, in terms of physical parameters, the results showed a clear evidence of wastewater pollution of some springs in both round.

This leads to the fact that all studied spring water samples appeared to be acceptable based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for freshwater.

However, chemically, calcium (Ca+2) was the dominant element, knowing that there were two samples exceeded the allowed limit of concentrations.

As for bicarbonate concentration (HCO-3), the dry season samples showed excesses of the limits based on the World Health Organization standards.

The nitrate (NO-3) content, was not detected or observed in spring water.

On the other hand, microbial results showed a strong evidence of spring water pollution due to wastewater; following the presence of high concentrations of bacteria FC and TC compared with results of previous tests carried out by the Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) for a number of studied springs.

However, during the last ten years, a large and clear increase in wastewater was being pumped into the valley.

For spring water content of the chemical micro-element, the results showed that the concentration has exceeded any of the limits permitted by the (WHO).

Even so, abnormal values, especially Cd and Li, which is evident of wastewater pollution.

On the other hand, all samples from both periods were categorized under the name of alkaline earth which is suitable for agricultural purposes such as irrigation.

For social survey purpose, results of the questionnaires in the study area were collected and analyzed using SPSS, which confirmed negative effects of wastewater on all aspects of life; such as health, economic and environmental.

Regarding health aspects, the negative impact was clear on the overall health of the population, according to 95% of the target population sample.

Economically, around 45.5% of people abandoned their agricultural lands near the valley due to the ongoing effects of wastewater.

In addition, 80% of the people are convinced that their land productivity is no longer as it was before.

Overall, 90% of the targeted people suffer from the negative effects of the flow of wastewater in the valley, and 20% have changed their residence.

According to 80% of people of that area, the wastewater flow through the valley negatively affected the aesthetic landscape

Main Subjects

Earth Sciences, Water and Environment

Topics

• Sanitation
• Water pollution
• Groundwater
• Hebron

No. of Pages

85

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-762574