An Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality with Respect to the Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

A significant portion of irrigation water in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, is suitable for agricultural use despite high salinity and sodium hazards. The study found that 62.1% of the samples were satisfactory (class IV) for irrigation, while 33.8% faced severe restrictions. Treated wastewater mixed with groundwater proved acceptable, though spatial variations in water quality were noted, with agricultural drainage showing higher levels of contaminants. The research used irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs) to assess 148 samples, revealing that 79.7% had high to very high salinity hazards and medium to high sodium hazards. Regular monitoring of treated wastewater quality is crucial for sustainable reuse in irrigation and food security.

Badr, E.-S. A., Tawfik, R. T., & Alomran, M. S. (2023). An Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality with Respect to the Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Water, 15(13), 2488. https://doi.org/10.3390/w15132488