Assessment of sewerage system and impacts of wastewater on the environment and reusing in Erbil city

Shuokr Qarani Aziz; Jwan Sabah Mustafa; Bruska Sardar Mamand; Anwer Hazim Dawood; Sazan Mohammed Ali; Zana Aziz Mohammed Ameen

doi:10.5937/ror2401063A

Authors

Shuokr Qarani Aziz Salahaddin University-Erbil, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Erbil, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3458-2083
Jwan Sabah Mustafa Ministry of Agricultural and Water Resources, General Directorate of Dams and Reservoirs, Erbil, Iraq Author
Bruska Sardar Mamand Salahaddin University-Erbil, College of Engineering, Water Resources Engineering Department, Erbil, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5984-1804
Anwer Hazim Dawood Koya University, Faculty of Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering Department, Koya, Erbil, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3551-455X
Sazan Mohammed Ali Noble Private Institute, Department of Surveying, Erbil, Iraq Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7708-1951
Zana Aziz Mohammed Ameen Ministry of Municipality and Tourism, Erbil Water Directorate, Erbil, Iraq Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5937/ror2401063A

Keywords:

environmental risk, Erbil, quality and quantity, sewerage system, wastewater

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the sewage system in the city of Erbil, Iraq, focusing on the wastewater's quality, quantity, and the environmental impact of untreated wastewater disposal. The city does not have a centralized wastewater treatment plant, although a design has already been approved. The study evaluates the current system by comparing existing data with previous research and highlighting the impact of lifestyle on wastewater characteristics in the region. The study highlights the dangers of reusing untreated wastewater for irrigation, which poses significant health and environmental risks, including groundwater contamination. Data was collected through site visits to various locations in the city of Erbil. The research discussed the current and potential impacts of wastewater on watercourses. It was found that the majority of wastewater in Erbil is discharged untreated into the environment, causing significant pollution problems. The total amount of produced wastewater and irrigated area is 257,184 m3/day and 5,143,680 m2/day respectively. In addition, the study concluded with recommendations for treatment processes suitable for the specific types of wastewater in Erbil. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a wastewater treatment plant to protect the environment in the area.

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