Assessment of wastewater treatment technologies and promotion of smart irrigation systems in the MENA Region using an eco-friendly gum

Abstract

Wastewater treatment facilities in Morocco and Palestine serve solely residential communities, and lack design considerations for the treatment of industrial wastewater discharges. This urges the local municipalities to connect the industrial discharges to public sewerage networks with ultimate treatment in central wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). These current practices lead to negative impacts on WWTPs efficacy with associated environmental, economic and socio-political impacts. Considering water-energy-food nexus, climate change, water scarcity and limited access to available water resources in the MENA region, use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation forms a core element within an integrated water resources management. How achieve sustainable WWTPs with safe reclaimed water suitable for agricultural application is the main goal of this research project. A cutting-edge irrigation system using a Superabsorbent Polymer Technology [SPT], an eco-gum manufactured at bench scale, will be used for the removal of selective heavy metals and organic pollutants of industrial origin. We argue that SPT can help local municipalities find environmentally sound solutions to reduce organic and inorganic residues from reclaimed water. Policy makers can integrate research results within the national guidelines aiming at fostering the adoption of integrated (waste)water management for smart agricultural irrigation, environmental and public health improvement within the MENA region.