Sustainability of oxidation and mechanized aerated ponds for domestic and municipal wastewater treatment in Palestine

Abstract

Palestinian rural and urban communities face a significant challenge resulting from rapid urbanization and population growth. Low average per capita freshwater resources and inadequate water and sanitation services compound an increasing water pollution problem. The use of natural and mechanized treatment processes is attracting increasing interest for the removal of organic pollutants and nutrients from domestic and urban wastewater. The treatment efficiency of these processes strongly depends on the reactor design, process monitoring and operating conditions. This article examines examples of applied low-cost treatment processes and technologies in Palestine: natural purification systems (waste stabilization ponds, algae- and duckweed-based ponds, and aerated lagoons. The effects of various design and operating parameters on the efficacy of these treatment processes with special emphasis on nitrogen removal are discussed. Sustainability of these treatment facilities is threatened by numerous institutional, technical, attitudinal and political factors, where the availability of financial aids from donor agencies alone is no guarantee of success.