Investigating the Potential of Using Effluent of Sewage Treatment Plant in Irrigation and Drainage Networks; A Case Study of Buin Zahra

Yargholi, Bahman; Taran, Farshid

doi:10.22092/idser.2024.366616.1585

Document Type : technical paper

Authors

Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI); Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO); Karaj; Iran

https://doi.org/10.22092/idser.2024.366616.1585

Abstract

Due to the scarcity of water resources and ever-increasing demand for it, treated wastewater, if meeting agricultural standards, can serve as an alternative or supplementary water source for achieving sustainable agriculture. In this study, considering the water shortage problem and the presence of arable lands in the province of Qazvin, especially in the Buin Zahra region, the potential of using the effluent of Qazvin’s sewage treatment plant in Buin Zahra’s irrigation and drainage network was investigated. In the first phase, the environmental status of the Buin Zahra region was studied, and subsequently, for one year (2019-2020), monthly samples were taken from the raw wastewater inflow and the treated effluent. Physical, chemical, and microbial analyses of these samples were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the Qazvin sewage treatment plant. Based on the area's cropping pattern and the quality requirements of agricultural products, a plan for the development of the irrigation and drainage network was devised, considering the quantity and quality of the produced effluent. The evaluations included gravitational transfer, significant aquifer depletion, soil characteristics, and the area's cropping pattern. Taking these factors and the social acceptance of the plan into account, the network development was proposed using 20.8 million m³ of effluent annually, covering 2000 ha of Buin Zahra's lands, and the appropriate cropping pattern and irrigation system were determined. Finally, given the importance of health and environmental issues, a comprehensive program for monitoring the quality of various components of the plan, including effluent, soil, agricultural products, and project workers, was prepared and presented to ensure the sustainable and safe use of this resource.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Irrigation network management

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Irrigation and Drainage Structures Engineering Research

Investigating the Potential of Using Effluent of Sewage Treatment Plant in Irrigation and Drainage Networks; A Case Study of Buin Zahra

References

References

Volume 25, Issue 94 - Serial Number 94
June 2024
Pages 83-96

Investigating the Potential of Using Effluent of Sewage Treatment Plant in Irrigation and Drainage Networks; A Case Study of Buin Zahra

References

References

Volume 25, Issue 94 - Serial Number 94June 2024Pages 83-96

Volume 25, Issue 94 - Serial Number 94
June 2024
Pages 83-96