Experience with the design and operation of sustainable wastewater treatment facilities for pollution control and water reuse in Morocco and Jordan

Operating experience at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Morocco was used to develop design criteria and operating procedures for the construction of two new WWTPs in Shobak and North Shouneh, Jordan to treat septage from small communities to water reuse standards. The WWTPs use an anaerobic/settling digestion tank, facultative lagoons, intermittent or recirculating sand filters, and reed beds to remove solids, carbon, nitrogen, and pathogens. The facilities are sustainable in that they minimize the use of complex mechanical and electrical equipment, do not require chemicals or high electrical demands, and produce beneficial products for the communities which include irrigation water, reeds, and dried biosolids that can be used as a soil amendment.