Entry from Directory of Selected Jordanian Water-related Projects

TITLE:	Protection of Groundwater Underlying Wastewater Recharge Sites
PROBLEM:
OBJECTIVES:	The objective of this project is to establish the extent of groundwater pollution in areas where wastewater recharge is likely to take place. The project will provide a focus for identifying the most serious problems, if any, at an early stage. If pollution is found to be significant, guidelines will be developed to give a scientific basis for limiting future pollution of aquifers from wastewater recharge. These should be implemented in the local Groundwater Protection Policy.
APPROACH:	The project is implemented in co-operation with the British Geological Survey (BGS). The work is focusing on pollution of groundwater from organics, a topic not covered by previous projects. The study area was chosen in Wadi Dhuleil, where the wastewater effluents from As-Samra Wastewater Stabilization Ponds is likely to infiltrate to the groundwater after being discharged to the Wadi. Sampling will take place in two phases. Phase (I) will be the initial sampling, which will last the first year. Phase (II) will be the follow-up sampling at which will involve further sampling to consolidate the conclusions from the first phase. A range of boreholes and wells having different constructions and depths to the water table will be sampled appropriately. Sites will cover a range of wastewater histories and will include control sites away from the area of wastewater recharge. The raw wastewater will also be sampled to provide a measure of the inputs. Samples of water will be collected for a basic inorganic analysis (pH, dissolved oxygen, major and minor elements) as well dissolved organic carbon. Trace organics will be extracted on-site by solvent extraction and by separation. The data are analyzed and interpreted in terms of the long-term threat to the groundwater in the aquifers studied. Insofar as is possible, generalizations from these results will be made to other areas of wastewater recharge. The detailed findings will be related to the composition of the wastewaters discharged, the local hydrogeology and the process attenuation taking place within the aquifer. Recommendations will be made as to how to protect the aquifer from future pollution. The significance of leakage from sewers and other wastewater conduits will be assessed. If serious pollution is identified, then a set of guidelines will be prepared outlining the nature of the pollution threats. The results will be published in project reports, conference proceedings and in the scientific literature.
BEGINNING DATE:	1996
ENDING DATE:	1997
COMMENTS ON DATES:	The project will have further extensions
CURRENT PROGRESS OR INTERIM RESULTS:	The project is still in its early stages. Preliminary surveys and investigations have been conducted, based on which the study area was decided. Samples are being collected and analyzed, both in Jordan and England for quality assurance purposes.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME:	Mr. B. Smith
ADDRESS:	Mr. John Chilton British Geological Survey (BGS) Hydrogeology Group Keyworth Nottingham NG12 5GG United Kingdom
TELEPHONE:	(+) 441-15-936-3100
TELEFAX:	(+) 441-15-936-3200
E-MAIL:
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR NAME:	R. Gedeon (Dr.)
ADDRESS:	Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) P.O. Box 2412 Amman - Jordan
TELEPHONE:	(+) 962 - 6 - 680100
TELEFAX:	(+) 962 - 6 - 679143
E-MAIL:

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