Nutrients Removal From Partially Treated Wastewater Using Soil Aquifer Treatment System

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate SAT system in removing nutrients and bacteriological pollution )heterotrophic bacteria ( from partially wastewater, and reuse the treated wastewater in agriculture according to Egyptian Code of Practice (ECP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) limits. Results indicated that the SAT system is effective in removing nutrients and heterotrophic bacteria from wastewater. The vadose zone acts as a filter and it is effective in removing contaminants from wastewater. The suitable distance for extracting water with acceptable quality is 750 m from the infiltration basin. Organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, phosphate, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen were effectively removed with an efficiency of 100%. Heterotrophic bacteria's concentration decreased with a removal efficiency of nearly 99.9% at 1500 m. According to FAO and ECP, limits the reclaimed water is suitable for irrigation.