Impact of wastewaters on groundwater quality of Bani Al-Hareth and Arhab areas in northern Sana’a city, Yemen

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine the impacts of wastewater effluents on groundwater quality of the northern su­­burbs of Sana’a city. Fourteen duplicate groundwater and wastewater samples were collected from the study area and analyzed. The groundwater samples were analyzed for major elements, and anionic and cationic groups using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The wastewater samples were analyzed for Total Coliform (TC), Fecal Coliform (FC), and oxygen demands. For characterizing the groundwater and wastewater qualities of the study area, analysis results were tabulated, statistically treated, and elements and ionic groups were graphically plotted on diagrams and on the Piper well known diagram. The analysis results had shown that some groundwater samples were chemically and biologically contaminated. Moreover, the effluent wastewater samples had shown that all samples contain greater Fecal Coliform (FC) bacteria count and high ammonia content. In addition, the effluent wastewaters are featured with high COD and BOD, reflecting low quality wastewater effluent for the WWTP. Sludge and wastewaters used by farmers, containing high pathogens and parasites, have created or will create significant environmental and health hazards. Similarly, land resources, infrastructure and groundwater quality of the areas are highly, if not already, jeopardized or polluted. Such findings require further detailed studies for monitoring development of pollution in the area.