Title: Treated municipal wastewater for irrigation: a case study from Misurata City, Libya

Authors: Mostafa A. Benzaghta; Sleem A. Kreba; Masood A. Ali; Ibrahim S. Zaghinin

Addresses: Department of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, The Libyan Academy for Postgraduate Studies, P.O. Box 177, Misurata, Libya ' Department of Environmental Sciences, Sciences College, Alasmarya Islamic University, Zliten, Libya ' Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences, Sciences College, Bani Waleed University, Bani Waleed, Libya ' Wastewater and Water Company, Misurata, Libya

Abstract: Treated wastewater is frequently used as an unconventional water resource because water resources are important to preserve the environment and human health, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. The present work examined the suitability of treated wastewater from Sasso basin in Misurata City, Libya for agricultural irrigation. Physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of treated wastewater from Sasso basin during a six-month period were monitored twice a month and compared with Libyan, FAO, WHO, USEPA, and USSL standards. Quality indicators of treated wastewater were higher than the acceptable ranges of national and international standards. Treated wastewater from Sasso basin was not recommended for agricultural irrigation. The performance of the Al-Sikt Wastewater Treatment Plant should be rehabilitated and evaluated periodically before considering treated wastewater for irrigation. We suggest the use of secondary treatment methods such as constructed wetlands to improve treated wastewater quality from Al-Sikt plant.

Keywords: wastewater reuse; agricultural irrigation; environmental management; Misurata Libya.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2025.144513

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2025 Vol.28 No.1/2/3, pp.190 - 212

Received: 08 Jan 2024
Accepted: 13 Jun 2024
Published online: 17 Feb 2025 *

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