Research Trip for Sustainable Development of Dry Lands Project - Jordan Component

Research Trip for Sustainable Development of Dry Lands Project - Jordan Component

Biosolids & Wastewater Reuse

by

Christopher Y. Choi, Ph.D.

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona,85721, U.S.A.

I traveledto Jordan from May 30 to June 10 for anongoing project supported by the USAID. The primary objectives of my visit were:

(i)to attend the International Water Demand Management Conference at the Dead Sea and present a paper,

(ii)to discuss collaborative biosolids research activities for 2004-2005 with the RSS/BRDP directors and researchers,

(iii)to assess potential research sites (Wadi Musa and Wadi Hassan),

(iv)to visit wastewater plants at various locations in Jordanand to assess the future potential of wastewater/biosolids recycling,

(v)to assess biosolids treatment, disposal, and beneficial reuse plans in Aqaba, and

(vi)to offer a biosolids/wastewater workshop at the NationalCenter for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer (NCARTT).

Before my travel to Jordan, I closely communicated with Dr. Saad Alayyash regarding my travel, meeting, and workshop schedule in Jordan. Dr. Alayyash also arranged schedules foraccompanying team members, including Prof. Charles Gerba, Ms. Dima Kayed (a doctoral student, SWES), and Mr. Jaime Naranjo (research staff, Environmental Microbiology Laboratory).

Day 1 (May 30):

I met with Drs. Alayyash and Shahbaz of The Higher Council for Research and Education. We reviewed the current status of our research collaboration with the RSS as well as our future plans with the RSS and other Jordanian research institutes. Then, I met with Mr. Wael Suleiman, Water and Environmental Engineer of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan. We discussed ongoing projects and future plans, including communication issues, specific research plans, and possible sites. Mr. Suleiman also explained the background of the proposed land application research for FY 04-05. In the afternoon, I went to the Dead Sea Resort and attended the opening ceremony of the International Water Demand Management Conference at the Dead Sea.

Day 2 (May 31):

Dr. Gerba and I visited the As Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant. We toured large scale stabilization ponds which serve the greater Amman area. We also observed the construction activities of the new, state-of-the-art WWTP (Figure 1). We were told that the new plant will be capable of treating 278,000 m3 per day. Currently, the ponds receive about 200,000 m3per day. In the afternoon, we visited Dr. Ziad Al-Ghazawi (Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering) at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Dr. Ismail Saadoun (Associate Prof.,Microbiology) joined us for a discussion regarding biosolids recycling and wastewater reuse. Dr. Al-Ghazawi showed us a wastewater reuse pilot project at JUST. The project was completed in collaboration with the USAID, JUST, and the Water and Irrigation Ministry in 2003. We also met with Dr. Bassam Snobar, Vice President of JUST. Prof. Al-Ghazawi also guided us tothe nearby Wadi Hassan WWTP, which has served part of the population of Irbid and neighboring areas using activated sludge processes at a capacity of 1,600 m3 per day. Solar drying beds looked ideal for the proposed biosolids research activity (See Figure 2). We moved toward the Jordan-Syrian border to visit the Mafraq WWTP. The condition of the treatment facility (composed of a series of stabilization ponds) is less than adequate due to foul odors and pests. We learned that that USAID will upgrade the facility in the near future.

Day 3 (June 1):

We toured the Jordan valley, which is the most intensively cultivated agricultural region in Jordan. We observed various fruit trees, vegetables, and cereals as we drove through the area. We understood that part of the water is from the King Talal Reservoir. The reservoir stores a mixture of fresh water and wastewater water from the As Samra WTTP. I felt that it is difficult to monitor the safety of current reclaimed water reuse and future biosolids recycling practices in the region with about 6,000 farms with an average acreage of 3 ha. In terms of wastewater reuse, the situation should greatly improve within two or three years as the As Samra WTTP releases high-quality reclaimed water.

Day 4 (June 2):

We traveled from Amman to the Dead Sea. I had opportunities to visit display booths at the International Water Demand Management Conference. It was interesting to observe global interests of water and wastewater issues in the region. I was also able to attend a few technical sessions. In the afternoon, I presented a paper relevant to the reuse of wastewater and health risk issues. The paper is attached in the Appendix. After the presentation, my colleagues and I traveled to Petra accompanied by Mr. Odeh Al-Mashan (BRDP Staff).

Day 5 (June 3):

We toured ancient water harvesting caves near Petra in the morning. Then, we visited the Wadi Mousa WWTP, which serves the population of the Wadi Mousa area and local hotels near Petra. This facility was constructed through a USAID grant and began its operation in 2001. The facility has been well maintained, and we felt that this location is ideal for the biosolids solar drying research. In particular, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) researchers can initiate their wastewater reuse and biosolids recycle research at this site until the Aqaba WTTP is operational within 18 months. The daily inflow capacity is approximately 3,400 m3. Its drying beds are in excellent shape, as shown in Figure 3. I reviewed logistics for the planned experiment at this site and the location of data logger system, including cell phone signals for the remote data acquisition and monitoring system.

Day 6 (June 4):

On this day we rested.

Day 7 (June 5):

Mr. Moaiad El-Khatibof ASEZA guided us to the wastewater irrigation demonstration site. Mr. Hani Habbab (Site Engineer)mentioned that he is experimenting with subsurface drip tapes manufactured by local firms. We discussed various aspects of subsurface drip irrigation. I briefly mentioned some advantages and disadvantages of the system. In particular, I noted our recent experience with edible crops and turf grass related to health risk reduction using the subsurface drip system. Later, we visited the new Aqaba WWTP construction site (Figure 4). We were told that the construction will be completed within 18 months and is funded by the USAID. This is the first phase of construction, and eventually the plant will have a capacity of 24,000 m3 per day with 128 solar drying beds. Currently 64 beds are under construction, and a coupe of lined beds isshown in Figure 5. We met with a site engineerfromMontgomery-Watson.We also visited a feed lot located north of Aqaba and the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory.Mr. El-Khatib of ASEZAindicated that there was an urgent situation regarding how to treat and recycle/dispose biosolids from the old maturation ponds and facultative ponds. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 m³ of biosolids from the old maturation ponds should be removed from the region in the near future by the end of the Aqaba WWTP plant construction.

Day 8 (June 6):

We met with Dr. Bilal Bashir ofAZESA. We discussed the urgent biosolids issues in the area. He was interested in collaborative efforts with the RSS. We certainly thought that his recommendation was adequate. We felt that AZESA personnel should get involved with our collaborative biosolids work with the RSS. Within a year, ASEZA should be able to make a logical decision regarding how to handle 30,000 m³ of biosolids in addition to the newly generated biosolids from the Aqaba WTTP by the end of 2005. Immediate characterization work should be carried out in collaboration with the RSS. We returned to Amman at the end of the day.

Day 9 (June 7):

The workshop was held at the NCARTT as scheduled, and directors from three institutes (USAID/IALC, BRDP, and NCARTT) attended the opening session. First, I introduced Tucson, the state of Arizona, and the University of Arizona. Then, I showed the similarity of arid and semi-arid weather conditions between Southern Arizona and Jordan. I lectured on “History and Status of Biosolids Reuse” in the morning. I introduced a world-wide history of biosolids reuse and a recent history in Europe and in the United States. My talk included a summary of the 503 rules and an introduction to solar drying processes. Later, I met with an engineer from the RSS, Ms. Bayan Athamneh,and we discussed the new scope of the biosolids land application project proposed by the RSS. I was delighted to learn that she has carried out similar work and recently completed her master’s degree at Jordan Institute of Science and Technology.

Day 10 (June 8):

The second day lecture consisted of U.S. biosolids regulations. I particularly focused on CFR 40 Rule 503. The topics includes: (i) management practices for land application of sewage sludge, (ii) concentration limits and loading rates for chemicals, and (iii) treatment and reuse requirements designed to control and reduce pathogens and attraction of disease vectors. Options for beneficial reuse were introduced, and Arizona’s land application programs (mine tailing and agricultural application) were included as case studies. Classification of biosolids (Class A and Class B) and associated land application limits were introduced. After the meeting, I met with Mr.Ali Al-Omari and Ms. Bayan Athamneh of RSS. We discussed about the preliminary data of the biosolids characterization project in Jordan. We also discussed future strategies regarding our project.

Day 11 (June 9):

Biosolids dewatering and drying technologies were discussed. Fundamentals of the removal of free and bound water in biosolids were introduced. I presented various dewatering methods including belt press, vacuum filter, and centrifuge with diagrams and latest pictures. Advantages and disadvantages of each dewatering technology were discussed. Biosolids drying mechanisms followed. The cost advantages of solar drying technology over other heating methods were discussed. I showed heat and mass transfer processes in common biosolids beds (conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation, and/or drainage). Biosafety and health risk issues were addressed based on our recent research efforts. I felt that my lecture was a comprehensive review of the existing technologies for biosolids treatment. The attendees asked excellent questions and were generally open-minded. I enjoyed follow-up discussions with attendees after the lecture.

Day 12 (June 10):

I completed my biosolids lecture series with “Biosolids Drying Technologies using Solar Beds and Beneficial Reuse Strategies”. The lecture was intended to cover solar drying methods of biosolids in detail and to introduce the latest solar drying technologies(including greenhouse, mobile sludge agitators, and tilling mechanisms in Germany and France). I introduced the current biosolids research activities in Arizona and future collaborative research plans in Jordan and Arizona. My final lecture is relevant to “Role of Irrigation Methods on Microbial Health Risk during Wastewater and Biosolids Reuse”. The lecture was prepared based on our interdisciplinary research activities during past three years in Arizona. Overall, the workshop delivered various aspects of regarding biosolids treatment and beneficial reuse.

Dr. Freitas, Dr. Tamimi, and I visited the RSS and met with Ms. Athamneh and Mr. Suleiman. We discuss future collaborative efforts, potential biosolids research, and the demonstration site.

Table 1. Daily Schedule during Chris Choi’s Visit to Jordan

Date / Description of Work
5/29/2004 /

• Travel from Stuttgart to Amman via London

5/30/2004 /

• Meeting with Mohamed Shahbaz, Program Director of The Higher Council for Science and Technology, Jordan BRDP. Discussed overall biosolids research progress
• Meeting with Wael Suleiman, Water and Environmental Engineer, Royal Scientific Society of Jordan. Discussed ongoing projects and future plans
• Opening Ceremony of the International Water Demand Management Conference at the Dead Sea

5/31/2004 /

• Technical tour to As Samra WWTP, Wadi Hassan WWTP, and Mafraq WTTP. Also visited JUST and had a meeting with Prof. Ziad Al-Ghazawi
• Meeting with Ismail Saadoun (Microbiologist, Associate Prof.)
• Meeting with Bassam Snobar, Vice President of JUST

6/1/2004 /

• Technical tour to Jordan Valley Agricultural Production Area

6/2/2004 /

• Travel from Amman to the Dead Sea
• International Water Demand Management Conference, presented a paper at the Dead Sea
• Travel from the Dead Sea to Petra guided by Odeh M. Al-Mashan

6/3/2004 /

• Technical tour of Wadi Mousa WWTP with Odeh M. Al-Mashan

6/4/2004 /

• Rest

6/5/2004 /

• Technical tour to Aqaba WWTP/Feed Lot/Environmental Chemistry Lab with Odeh M. Al-Mashan, guided by Moaiad El-Khatib
• Meeting with Hani Habib at the wastewater reuse demonstration site
• Meeting with Engineer James Zimmer (Montgomery-Watson of the Morganti Group)
• Meeting with Moaiad El-Khatib of ASEZA

6/6/2004 /

• Meeting with Dr. Bilal Bashir at AZESA
• Travel from Aqaba to Amman

6/7/2004 /

• Workshop Day 1 – Lectured on “History and Status of Biosolids Reuse”
• Meeting with Bayan Athamneh of RSS regarding biosolids research progress and plan

6/8/2004 /

• Workshop Day 2 – Lectured on “Biosolids - CFR 40 Rule 503”
• Meeting with Ali Al-Omari and Bayan Athamneh of RSS, further discussion about biosolids research collaboration plan

6/9/2004 /

• Workshop Day 3 – Lectured on “Biosolids Dewatering and Drying Technologies”

6/10/2004 /

• Workshop Day 4 – Lectured on “Biosolids Drying Technologies using Solar Beds and Beneficial Reuse Strategies” and “Role of Irrigation Methods on Microbial Health Risk during Wastewater and Biosolids Reuse”
• Meeting with Wael Suleiman and Bayan Athamneh at RSS

6/11/2004 /

• Travel from Amman to Tucson via London

AppendixI. Workshop Information

Workshop

Recycling of Wastewater and Biosolids: Maximizing Benefits and Safety

Monday, June 7, 2004 – Thursday, June 10, 2004

@

NationalCenter for Agricultural Research and Technology Transfer, NCARTT, Baqa’ 19381, Jordan

Cover Page – A color copy on the front page of the three-ring binder showing logos of supporting agencies: USAID, IALC, University of Arizona, BRDP and NCARTT.

Introduction

In arid regions reclaimed wastewater can be a valuable resource, however, understanding the risks from contaminants present in the wastewater is essential for its safe utilization. Any potential recycling operation must take into consideration risks from metals, trace organics and pathogens. Effective treatments and standards must be in place to control the risks from these contaminants. This workshop reviews various recycling schemes treatments currently in operation around the world and in Jordan. The health effects contaminate detection and monitoring, and removal by treatment processes will be reviewed. Demonstration of contaminate detection and the application of risk analysis to set standards will also be presented.

In Jordan, recent changes in regulations concerning municipal wastewater treatment have resulted in a significant increase in treated domestic wastewater production and, accordingly, biosolids quantities. Biosolids generated at municipal wastewater treatment plants are usually thickened, dewatered using drying beds, and then disposed of at adjacent dumping sites and landfills. Anaerobic lagoons are occasionally de-sludged for operational purposes, and biosolids are then inadequately stored in nearby areas. In other words, none of the biosolids produced are currently being reused or recycled, although a preliminary Jordanian standard for agricultural land application was developed in 1996 (Institute for Standards and Metrology of Jordan). These current practices cannot be continued indefinitely. Adverse impacts include potential operational problems such as leachate management (especially in rainy seasons) and gas hazards. The present workshop will include guidelines for biosolids treatment and land application, currently the most widely-employed reuse option in many countries. Emphasis will be placed on inexpensive biosolids treatment and application strategies under Jordanian arid- and semi-arid conditions.

Who should attend?

Irrigation engineers and managers, environmental scientists and engineers, educators (including university professors), farm managers, landscapers, landscape architects, local authorities from parks and garden departments, personnel in charge of department safety, collection systems personnel, plant personnel, water and wastewater operators.

Topics to be covered

Dr. Gerba will review case examples of water recycling programs for different types of application including landscape and crop irrigation, recreational, and domestic use. The health effects and methods of detection of contaminates will be reviewed. The removal of contaminates by different treatment processes will be covered. Methods for the detection of endocrine disruptors, indicator bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites will be demonstrated. A practical exercise will be conducted to illustrate how risk assessment can be used to determine the impacts of contaminants on health and how it can be used to establish standards for wastewater and biosolids recycling.

Dr. Choi will cover the history and status of biosolids reuse in the United States, including the EPA Rule 503. He will also introduce the fundamentals of biosolids. Sludge dewatering and drying technologies, including belt presses, centrifuges, direct dryers, indirect dryers, and combined mode dryers, will be reviewed. Schematics and photographs of typical dewatering and drying systems will be also included. The lecture will focus on inexpensive drying processes to achieve high quality biosolids and land application strategies in arid and semi arid lands. In addition, the role of irrigation methods on microbial food safety will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on how to minimize produce contamination by enteric pathogens during production under various climate conditions.

Dr. Waller will introduce methods to calculate surface and drip irrigation uniformity and efficiency. Statistical methods based on spatial variability of soils and irrigation emission device variability will be combined with hydraulic methods in order to characterize deep percolation and runoff from irrigation systems. Finally, leaching and runoff of pollutants will be estimated. A computer laboratory workshop will show participants how to use an Excel spreadsheet that estimates leaching for different drip and surface irrigation systems. A field trip will include a demonstration of methods to evaluate irrigation system performance: participants will collect water from emission devices, and estimate irrigation uniformity. The field trip will also review irrigation system components such as controllers, valves, emission devices, and piping systems.