Journal
SUSTAINABILITY
Volume 13, Issue 23, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/su132313125
Keywords
wastewater reuse; quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA); cost analysis; modeling and simulation
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This study presents a systematic evaluation approach of treatment alternatives for Alexandria WWTP in Egypt, focusing on effluent quality, cost, and health risks. The membrane bioreactor was found to have the highest efficiency and lowest health risks, showing potential for widespread implementation in similar economic and agro-ecological conditions in MENA.
Irrigation with reclaimed water is a widespread solution to coping with water scarcity, especially in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This paper presents a systematic evaluation approach of six treatment alternatives proposed for Alexandria WWTP in Egypt as an applied example. This approach evaluates the effluent quality and cubic meter price from the proposed treatment alternatives while managing the health risks associated with reclaimed water irrigation. Rotavirus, Salmonella, Giardia duodenalis, and Ascaris were studied as waterborne pathogens. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was used for the estimation of annual infection risks. The exposure scenarios include farmers and vegetable consumers. Activated sludge provided the lowest costs; however, it gave the lowest efficiencies and highest health risks. On the other hand, the highest efficiency and lowest health risks were obtained by the membrane bioreactor. The resulting price of a cubic meter of treated wastewater, used in irrigation, ranged from 0.082 to 0.133 USD. Irrigation using tertiary-treated wastewater achieved the target infection risk for unrestricted irrigation without using advanced treatment facilities. The results of this study could give a comprehensive view of reusing wastewater to decision-makers to address both water and food poverty not only in Egypt but also in other countries in MENA with similar economic and agro-ecological conditions.
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