Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
November 2014 Vol. 3(11): pp. 379-386
Copyright © 2014 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Wastewater treatment and reuse for irrigation green barley fodder in south valley university-Egypt

Rafat Khalaphallah, Mokhles A. Ahmed,(Eman),S.H., Farrag

Department of Agricultural Botany (Microbiology), Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.

Corresponding Author's Email: r.shipat@agr.svu.edu.eg

Accepted 03 November, 2014

Abstract

The problems of scarcity, shortage and quality deterioration of water, have led to an increased interest in the reuse of treated wastewater in many countries of the world. This study has examined the alternative solution such as the suitable of locally available materials( gravels , fine sand , solar irradiation with plastic polyethylene cover) to treat wastewater samples collected daily from South valley university campus (students residence , students hospital and the university mosque ) for irrigation, as well as taking into account the economic aspect . Using alternative water resources such as tertiary treated wastewater is considered very important to produce crops (e.g., barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) due to irrigation water shortage, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like Upper Egypt. The objectives were to investigate the effects of irrigation with treated wastewater (WWt), mixed WW / tap water (WWm) and tap water (TW) on barley fodder yield, quality and microbial load under different conditions. The wastewater samples were filtered and measure of physicochemical parameters (EC, pH, BOD, and COD), micro/ macro nutrients, heavy metals and microbial counts determined over a seven week period. Results indicate the filtration process is effective in reducing the minerals, heavy metals and microorganisms group (total coliforms, E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus and total fungi) levels. Treated wastewater use in irrigation of barley fodder considered as useful alternative disposal method of wastewater without the risk of accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and the maintenance of environment.

Keywords: Wastewater treatment - Wastewater recycling – heavy metals– irrigation green barley fodder - Sand filter –Total fungi.