Ablution greywater treatment with the modified re-circulated vertical flow bioreactor for landscape irrigation

Abstract

Mounting pressure to conserve water supplies has stimulated greywater recycling to be reused for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation. A potential greywater source in Jordan as well as other countries is ablution water generated in mosques from prayers’ washing rituals. In this study, ablution greywater treatment with the low cost and easy to operate modified re-circulated vertical flow bioreactor was evaluated in terms of its treatment efficiency in order to supply some of the landscape irrigation needs in Al-Balqa’ Applied University. The treatment system adequately removed BOD₅, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, chloride, and Na by up to 94, 88, 90, 48, and 33%, respectively. Dissolved oxygen was significantly increased by up to 133%. Concentrations of Mg, Ca, and K were also increased by up to 29, 63, and 95%, respectively. Nitrate concentration of the treated ablution greywater (TA) increased but remained less than the maximum allowable limit. Treatment efficiency fluctuated with time and quality of untreated ablution greywater concerning electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and SO₄. Concentrations of these water quality indicators were much less than the maximum allowable limits of the Jordanian guidelines. In addition, according to the WHO guidelines, TA is considered suitable for irrigation of ornamentals, fruit trees, and fodder crops. Removal efficiencies of the treatment system were higher than those of other systems previously operated in Jordan. The modified re-circulated vertical flow bioreactor demonstrates great potential for treating low-quality ablution greywater. The wide application of this treatment system in mosques will achieve economic and ecological benefits.

Keywords:

• Ablution water
• Constructed wetlands
• Decentralized treatment systems
• Environmental pollution
• Greywater reuse

Acknowledgment

This research was funded by the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), Amman, Jordan. Authors would like to acknowledge the support and collaboration of Eng. Omar Amawi from the HCST and the administrative staff represented by Prof. Bassim Abbassi (Dean of Scientific Research) as well as the technical staff of Al-Balqa’ Applied University/Lab of Water Resources and Environmental Management. Authors are thankful for Eng. Wafa’ Ghneimat from Al-Balqa’ Applied University for her assistance with chemical analyses.