Sustainable Coastal Landscaping Using Reclaimed Irrigation Water in Dubai

Abstract

Dubai became a truism and business hub of the Middle East. Dubai Municipality (DM) treats municipal wastewater and has implemented reclaimed water (RW) distribution systems for the irrigation of greeneries in the city. Reusing water has been a sustainable solution to reduce the consumption of potable water, which is produced through the expensive processes of desalination. Using RW raises concerns regarding the accumulation of RW's nutrients in soil and consequently stormwater pollution especially in coastal areas. The quality of RW, the accumulation of RW's nutrients in soil and interaction between stormwater and soil should be assessed to estimate the environmental impacts of using cost-effective RW. The objective of this research is to form a practical assessment methodology for estimating the extent of stormwater pollution when rainwater is exposed to soils irrigated with RW. The research attempts to determine the impact of RW's nutrients concentrations and the land characteristics including foliage and land slopes on stormwater pollution and potential environmental catastrophes in seashores. The results of pollution estimation were considered to moderate the pollution of runoff generated from lands in coastlines.