Ziad Al-Ghazawi | Jordan University of Science and Technology (original) (raw)
Papers by Ziad Al-Ghazawi
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nov 30, 2023
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference� EXPO Proceedings
Wastewater treatment and desalination are considered important solutions to meet the water scarci... more Wastewater treatment and desalination are considered important solutions to meet the water scarcity in Jordan. The irrigation with reclaimed wastewater, that usually has elevated salinity levels, may adversely change soil structure, stability, and hydraulic properties. Water traditional desalination techniques require huge energy and capital investments. Zeolites in normal and nano scales enhance the desalination process performance and reduce its economic and energy requirements. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the salinity removal of reclaimed wastewater by using natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite), acid-treated zeolite as well as zeolites nanoparticles. The effect of salt�s initial concentrations, adsorbents mass, and pH on the adsorption process was determined. The results showed that potassium concentration was reduced by 75%, 76%, 81%, and 86% by using 5 g of natural zeolite, nano zeolite, acid-treated zeolite, and acid-treated nano zeolite, respect...
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference� EXPO Proceedings
In the context of adaptation of the water resources sector to climate change, water reuse is wide... more In the context of adaptation of the water resources sector to climate change, water reuse is widely proposed and encouraged especially in arid and semi-arid areas like the Middle East. We consider riverbank filtration (RBF) an appropriate technology that efficiently and dependably procure quality water from Zarqa River thus making a contribution to protect Jordan�s remaining surface and ground water resources. The river is contaminated with treated domestic and industrial wastewater principally from the city of Amman, but still serves as a main source for irrigation water. Since 2007, a riverbank filtration (RBF) well field consisting of six wells was installed along the Zarqa river, Jordan. Salt tracers were released to the hyporheic zone and were detected in a RBF well (5 m distance from the river) during subsequent pumping. From the tracer test data (pumping rate: 10 m3/h), rapid travel times were approximated (14 m/min). Additional sampling demonstrated that fecal indicator bact...
Water
Landfilling of solid waste has been and continues to be among the most common practices of solid ... more Landfilling of solid waste has been and continues to be among the most common practices of solid waste disposal. This is particularly true for Jordan, where approximately 3.3 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is annually generated, with 90% of the generated amount disposed into landfills. The main objective of this study is to estimate the quantities of landfill gas (LFG) generated from the solid waste disposal and its potential as a source of clean energy in Jordan using four different models, namely, GasSim 2.5, LandGEM, Afvalzorg, and Mexico Landfill Gas Model V2 (MLFGM V2). Furthermore, the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of LFG projects was estimated. Currently, there are 18 active landfills that are distributed across the country. Based on screening criteria, the landfills were grouped into three categories: five landfills were considered for energy production, four were strong candidates for LFG collection and flaring, while the remaining nine landfills do...
Heliyon
This study aims to investigate a sustainable method for sewage sludge (SS) safe disposal and reus... more This study aims to investigate a sustainable method for sewage sludge (SS) safe disposal and reuse. The study involved exploring the optimum parameters of thermal treatment of SS by pyrolysis to produce biochar. Based on the analysis of the full factorial design, the effects of pyrolysis conditions: temperature, heating rate, and isothermal time on pyrolysis product yields were evaluated. The average yield of biochar was significantly reduced when the pyrolysis temperature was increased from 300 to 500 C, while the average yields of bio-oil (BO) and non-condensable gases (NCGs) were increased. The yield of biochar was nearly the same when the heating rate was increased from 5 to 35 C/min, while the yield of BO was increased and the yield of NCGs was decreased. The average yields of biochar and NCGs were reduced when the isothermal time was increased from 45 to 120 min, while the yield of BO was slightly increased. Factorial design methodology revealed all potential interactions between the variables of the pyrolysis process of SS. To predict pyrolysis product yields, first-order regression models were developed based on the effects' magnitude of the process parameters and their interactions. The models were agreed to the experimental data.
Who are the alternative providers? To what extent do they need to be included in the regulatory p... more Who are the alternative providers? To what extent do they need to be included in the regulatory process ? Knowledge and Research Contract R8320 With up to half of the population of some cities accessing water from alternative providers this channel of delivery must be recognised in the regulatory process
The goals for economic regulation of monopoly service providers from a customer perspective are t... more The goals for economic regulation of monopoly service providers from a customer perspective are to ensure: Effective, resilient service delivery at a fair price, taking into account well targeted subsidies when necessary, to ensure service which is equitable and sustainable with adequate incentives for efficiency. Protection of consumers against monopoly abuse through transparency in price setting, complaints adjudication and fair compensation for service failure where appropriate as incentives for effectiveness. Both of these goals require some level of customer involvement in decision-making if they are to be successful over the long-term. REGULATORY TOOLS: CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT
Jordan Medical Journal, 2012
Objective: This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the occurrence of diarrhe... more Objective: This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the occurrence of diarrhea in children and their household conditions in the Jordan Valley and to estimate the prevalence of diarrhea. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The multistage random sampling technique was applied. The sample included 197 children corresponding to 71 households randomly selected in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to observation. Diarrhea that occurred in the last two weeks before interview was the outcome variable. Household cleanliness and sanitary conditions were the primary independent variables measured in relation to diarrhea. Results: Overall diarrhea prevalence was 21.3%, and among children< 5 years old was 19.1%. Significant factors (P<0.05) related to diarrhea occurrence included: mothers' age and education, crowding index, extended vs. nuclear family, family income, family size, household, toilet, and kitchen cleanliness, tap water availability, sufficient supply of drinking water, cleaning water reservoir, cleanliness of adjacent outdoor, and adequacy of septic tanks. Conclusion: Mother's and family's characteristics in addition to household's sanitary conditions and adequacy of water supply were significant determinants of diarrhea occurrence.
Proceedings of the ICE - Waste and Resource Management, 2011
ABSTRACT This study investigates the stabilisation of medical waste ash (MWA) in mortar mixtures.... more ABSTRACT This study investigates the stabilisation of medical waste ash (MWA) in mortar mixtures. Three MWA dosages were considered in the study: 5%, 10% and 15%. The other experimental parameters investigated in the study were: aggregate type and curing regime. The properties explored in the study include: setting time, workability, com-pressive and flexural strength and leaching of heavy metals. The mortar mixture proportions were 1 : 3 : 0 . 7 by weight for cement, sand and water, respectively. The results of the study have shown that MWA can be stabilised in mortar mixtures without significant leaching of heavy metals. The setting time of cement paste decreased with the increase in MWA content. The workability of mortar increased when the MWA level was increased. The compressive strength of mortar increased with the increase in the MWA content as a partial replacement of silica sand under moist and autoclaving curing conditions. However, the flexural strength of mortar decreased as the content of MWA increased as a partial replacement of silica sand under moist and autoclaving curing. The amount of heavy metals leached from mortar specimens after 28 days' immersion in water were very small and insignificant (maximum percentage 0 . 58%) compared with the original heavy metals present in the MWA powder.
EcoHealth, 2004
North Jordan Valley (NJV) is a narrow rift valley that extends from lake Tiberius in the north to... more North Jordan Valley (NJV) is a narrow rift valley that extends from lake Tiberius in the north to the Dead Sea in the south. It follows the River Jordan and contains the most fertile lands in Jordan. With a population around 140,000, primarily working in agriculture, NJV is Jordan's premier agricultural production area. NJV is an ecosystem that is stressed both naturally and by human activities. Limited precipitation and very hot summer seasons are stresses that are inherent parts of the ecosystem itself. However, human activities like agriculture, poor sanitation, and tourism produce health risks to the people through the pollution and degradation of natural resources. The area also faces several socioeconomic problems such as poverty, large family size, and unemployment. In NJV, women typically work at home as housewives taking care of large families and are engaged in agricultural activities through which they are exposed, along with men and children, to high temperature and high concentration of pesticides. This article presents the findings of a Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) study that focused on assessing local communities' perception and awareness of the linkages between disruption of the ecosystem and prevailing public health problems. From an academic point of view, one of the key challenges of implementing ecosystem approaches to human health is the incorporation of various stakeholders as full partners throughout the research process rather than as contributors to a research designed from the sole perspective and interests of the academic research team. This study was conceptualized as a preliminary study to guide and inform the design of a larger research study on health and environment linkages in the NJV. The process was considered key for ensuring that research questions would reflect and build upon the priorities of multiple stakeholders, including community members, and would involve them in the design of the research. In addition to the successful involvement of local communities and other stakeholders in the identification of primary health problems and community priorities in the study area, the research played a key role in introducing various stakeholders to the basics of the Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health (Ecohealth) concept. The study took place in two small villages in NJV (Tal Al-Arbaeen and Tal Al-Menteh). The first village is located upstream of the junction point where King Abdullah Canal's fresh water mixes with marginal quality water of King Talal Reservoir (KTR) while the second one is situated downstream. Results of this study showed that local communities are generally aware of the linkages between the health of the ecosystem and human health and well-being. According to the results of
Desalination and Water Treatment, 2009
Utilities involved in drinking water treatment are faced with a serious challenge in achieving th... more Utilities involved in drinking water treatment are faced with a serious challenge in achieving the balance between pathogen destruction by chlorination and trihalomethanes (THMs) minimization below regulatory levels. Mathematical modeling offers an effective tool in cases where the prediction of THM formation is required. The main purpose of this study is to develop an empirical mathematical model that would predict the THM formation in water distribution systems on a laboratory scale. A parallel purpose of the study is to investigate, develop and test procedures for conducting water quality studies related to THM formation. Different types of regression models were investigated using backward elimination for the THM model parameters to select the optimum number of independent variables to be used. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences backward regression revealed that there are five possible empirical models that predict the amount of total THMs formation as a function of various parameters such as, chlorine concentration, contact time, and temperature. The fifth model which only considers the free chlorine as independent variable, explains 80% (R 2 = 0.8) of the variability in total trihalomethanes (TTHM). This means that the best regression variable in predicting the TTHM is the free chlorine. The developed model serves as a basis for conducting further studies of THM formation on real scale water distribution networks.
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2008
... Mitigation of methane emissions from sanitary landfills and sewage treatment plants in Jordan... more ... Mitigation of methane emissions from sanitary landfills and sewage treatment plants in Jordan Ziad D. Al-Ghazawi Æ Fayez Abdulla ... 2. Then, the emissions from each site at year i were predicted using the following formula (Eq. 4): EMi ¼ POPi/POPiÀ1 ½ EMiÀ1 ð4Þ ...
... Estimated total reserves at Risha field are 230 billion cubic feet (year 2003) fueling a powe... more ... Estimated total reserves at Risha field are 230 billion cubic feet (year 2003) fueling a power station that produces about 10% of Jordan's electricity. You may want to refer to the Arab Gas Pipeline project to import the Egyptian natural gas into Jordan. Electric Power ...
In this work, nickel adsorption onto low Jordanian zeolite dose is being investigated. Natural ze... more In this work, nickel adsorption onto low Jordanian zeolite dose is being investigated. Natural zeolite doses were stirred continuously with nickel solutions in batch reactors at 180 RPM for 24 hours, where the temperature was set to 20°C. The pH was initially 4.5 and reached 5.2 at equilibrium. The removal efficiency of nickel reaches maximum value when the initial nickel concentration is around 1 ppm and then tends to decrease when the initial nickel concentration increases above 1 ppm. The optimal nickel removal reaches 65% when the initial nickel concentration is 1 ppm and the zeolite dose is 26 mg∙dm. This study investigates the behaviour of nickel removal and modelling isotherms below and above this critical peak point. At this level of zeolite dose, the adsorption does not follow either Freundlich or Langmuir isotherms, but rather, it follows Freundlich for the data plot just below the peak point with the highest coefficient of determination (R) equals (0.98) when the zeolite ...
Journal of Basic Microbiology, 2005
Enumeration and recovery of the dominant bacteria from a chronically fuel contaminated soil has b... more Enumeration and recovery of the dominant bacteria from a chronically fuel contaminated soil has been investigated. Bacterial counts from these polluted soils ranged between 0.70 × 10 8 and 28.20 × 10 8 CFU/g soil. Three different types of bacterial colonies have been recovered on the agar plates. Biochemical examination of the recovered bacteria revealed that they mainly belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, Micrococcus and Bacillus. Turbidity, cell biomass (dry weight basis), and physical appearance determined the growth of these bacteria on diesel. A noticeable decline in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds germination of 15-30% was shown at 500 mg/kg diesel or higher. Under these contaminated conditions, fescue grass (Cyndon dactylon) exhibited a higher viability than alfalfa indicating that C. dactylon seeds are relatively tolerant to diesel and can possibly be used in phytoremediation of diesel contaminated soils. Results of diesel phyotoxicity to seed germination of these two plants were based on filter paper media and therefore; should be considered as first indication only. Extrapolation of such results to actual soil conditions should be catiously approached taking into account diesel sorption on soil and mechanisms of its bioavailability.
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010, 2010
Jordan is considered to be one of the 10 poorest countries worldwide in water resources, and has ... more Jordan is considered to be one of the 10 poorest countries worldwide in water resources, and has a population growth rate of about 2.9% (1998-2002), the 9th highest in the world. The available renewable water resources are dropping drastically to an annual per capita share of 160 m 3 in recent years. Within Jordan, the Zarqa River is the third largest river in terms of its annual discharge. The river is heavily contaminated with treated domestic and industrial wastewater principally from the city of Amman, but still serves as a major source for irrigation water. We consider riverbank filtration (RBF) an appropriate technology that efficiently and dependably procure quality water from Zarqa River thus making a contribution to protect Jordan’s remaining surface and ground water resources. Since 2006, a RBF well field has been installed. Six wells were drilled at various distances from the river. Salt tracers have been released to the hyporheic zone and were detected in a RBF well during subsequent pumping. From the tracer test data, approximated travel times have been established and first observations regarding the removal of microbial matter have been obtained. The data indicate rapid travel times and 2 to 3 log units of removal even over a very short distance from the river (< 10 m). Additional tests are planned to further investigate the performance of the RBF system. However, it is already clear that the RBF has significantly improved the water quality and local farmers have begun using our RBF water for agricultural purposes.
Efficient Management of Wastewater
and Technology (JUST) has a large campus (11 km 2) and has reused water from the university treat... more and Technology (JUST) has a large campus (11 km 2) and has reused water from the university treatment plant for almost 20 years. The campus plant has a design capacity of 2,500 m 3 /d but is currently operating at about 600 m 3 /d. The other source of effluent water is located off campus at Wadi Hassan area about 4 Km south of the university campus. The design capacity of this plant is 2,200 m 3 /d and it has been in operation since September 2001. There are two storage lakes on campus: a 132,000 m 3 lined pond and a 110,000 m 3 capacity reservoir. These sources of effluent water and the existing infrastructure have encouraged the University to irrigate additional portions of the campus and to support the production of cash crops, field crops and forest trees by reclaimed wastewater. There is also a desire to have local community involvement and to train local farmers in the management and use of reclaimed water. JUST pilot has been involving researchers and students in the water reuse activities. Local farming communities and other stakeholders have also been exposed through visits and field days to the reuse activities at JUST so that a more positive attitudes can be created about reuse. The USAID funded water reuse activities at JUST are of great value also for JUST as a university and for the country due to the great research and demonstration value of this activity. JUST water reuse pilot continues its activities that aim to demonstrate and document safe reuse of reclaimed water and reaching at a wider social acceptance of this valuable resource for Jordan. The goal of the pilot project is to evaluate the efficacy and economics of growing new types of crops in the northern area of Jordan utilizing the flow from the existing JUST WWTP as well as the Wadi Hassan WWTP. The crops for the pilot study are selected based on their applicability to the climate and soils of JUST, as well as to be marketed at a profit.
American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Science, 2010
Tolerance of various plant seeds to different concentrations of diesel has been investigated. A n... more Tolerance of various plant seeds to different concentrations of diesel has been investigated. A noticeable decline in Cochorus olitorius seed germination of 57.7-76.9% was shown at 100 mg kg diesel 1
Journal of Water Process Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nov 30, 2023
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference� EXPO Proceedings
Wastewater treatment and desalination are considered important solutions to meet the water scarci... more Wastewater treatment and desalination are considered important solutions to meet the water scarcity in Jordan. The irrigation with reclaimed wastewater, that usually has elevated salinity levels, may adversely change soil structure, stability, and hydraulic properties. Water traditional desalination techniques require huge energy and capital investments. Zeolites in normal and nano scales enhance the desalination process performance and reduce its economic and energy requirements. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the salinity removal of reclaimed wastewater by using natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite), acid-treated zeolite as well as zeolites nanoparticles. The effect of salt�s initial concentrations, adsorbents mass, and pH on the adsorption process was determined. The results showed that potassium concentration was reduced by 75%, 76%, 81%, and 86% by using 5 g of natural zeolite, nano zeolite, acid-treated zeolite, and acid-treated nano zeolite, respect...
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference� EXPO Proceedings
In the context of adaptation of the water resources sector to climate change, water reuse is wide... more In the context of adaptation of the water resources sector to climate change, water reuse is widely proposed and encouraged especially in arid and semi-arid areas like the Middle East. We consider riverbank filtration (RBF) an appropriate technology that efficiently and dependably procure quality water from Zarqa River thus making a contribution to protect Jordan�s remaining surface and ground water resources. The river is contaminated with treated domestic and industrial wastewater principally from the city of Amman, but still serves as a main source for irrigation water. Since 2007, a riverbank filtration (RBF) well field consisting of six wells was installed along the Zarqa river, Jordan. Salt tracers were released to the hyporheic zone and were detected in a RBF well (5 m distance from the river) during subsequent pumping. From the tracer test data (pumping rate: 10 m3/h), rapid travel times were approximated (14 m/min). Additional sampling demonstrated that fecal indicator bact...
Water
Landfilling of solid waste has been and continues to be among the most common practices of solid ... more Landfilling of solid waste has been and continues to be among the most common practices of solid waste disposal. This is particularly true for Jordan, where approximately 3.3 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) is annually generated, with 90% of the generated amount disposed into landfills. The main objective of this study is to estimate the quantities of landfill gas (LFG) generated from the solid waste disposal and its potential as a source of clean energy in Jordan using four different models, namely, GasSim 2.5, LandGEM, Afvalzorg, and Mexico Landfill Gas Model V2 (MLFGM V2). Furthermore, the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential of LFG projects was estimated. Currently, there are 18 active landfills that are distributed across the country. Based on screening criteria, the landfills were grouped into three categories: five landfills were considered for energy production, four were strong candidates for LFG collection and flaring, while the remaining nine landfills do...
Heliyon
This study aims to investigate a sustainable method for sewage sludge (SS) safe disposal and reus... more This study aims to investigate a sustainable method for sewage sludge (SS) safe disposal and reuse. The study involved exploring the optimum parameters of thermal treatment of SS by pyrolysis to produce biochar. Based on the analysis of the full factorial design, the effects of pyrolysis conditions: temperature, heating rate, and isothermal time on pyrolysis product yields were evaluated. The average yield of biochar was significantly reduced when the pyrolysis temperature was increased from 300 to 500 C, while the average yields of bio-oil (BO) and non-condensable gases (NCGs) were increased. The yield of biochar was nearly the same when the heating rate was increased from 5 to 35 C/min, while the yield of BO was increased and the yield of NCGs was decreased. The average yields of biochar and NCGs were reduced when the isothermal time was increased from 45 to 120 min, while the yield of BO was slightly increased. Factorial design methodology revealed all potential interactions between the variables of the pyrolysis process of SS. To predict pyrolysis product yields, first-order regression models were developed based on the effects' magnitude of the process parameters and their interactions. The models were agreed to the experimental data.
Who are the alternative providers? To what extent do they need to be included in the regulatory p... more Who are the alternative providers? To what extent do they need to be included in the regulatory process ? Knowledge and Research Contract R8320 With up to half of the population of some cities accessing water from alternative providers this channel of delivery must be recognised in the regulatory process
The goals for economic regulation of monopoly service providers from a customer perspective are t... more The goals for economic regulation of monopoly service providers from a customer perspective are to ensure: Effective, resilient service delivery at a fair price, taking into account well targeted subsidies when necessary, to ensure service which is equitable and sustainable with adequate incentives for efficiency. Protection of consumers against monopoly abuse through transparency in price setting, complaints adjudication and fair compensation for service failure where appropriate as incentives for effectiveness. Both of these goals require some level of customer involvement in decision-making if they are to be successful over the long-term. REGULATORY TOOLS: CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT
Jordan Medical Journal, 2012
Objective: This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the occurrence of diarrhe... more Objective: This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the occurrence of diarrhea in children and their household conditions in the Jordan Valley and to estimate the prevalence of diarrhea. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The multistage random sampling technique was applied. The sample included 197 children corresponding to 71 households randomly selected in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to observation. Diarrhea that occurred in the last two weeks before interview was the outcome variable. Household cleanliness and sanitary conditions were the primary independent variables measured in relation to diarrhea. Results: Overall diarrhea prevalence was 21.3%, and among children< 5 years old was 19.1%. Significant factors (P<0.05) related to diarrhea occurrence included: mothers' age and education, crowding index, extended vs. nuclear family, family income, family size, household, toilet, and kitchen cleanliness, tap water availability, sufficient supply of drinking water, cleaning water reservoir, cleanliness of adjacent outdoor, and adequacy of septic tanks. Conclusion: Mother's and family's characteristics in addition to household's sanitary conditions and adequacy of water supply were significant determinants of diarrhea occurrence.
Proceedings of the ICE - Waste and Resource Management, 2011
ABSTRACT This study investigates the stabilisation of medical waste ash (MWA) in mortar mixtures.... more ABSTRACT This study investigates the stabilisation of medical waste ash (MWA) in mortar mixtures. Three MWA dosages were considered in the study: 5%, 10% and 15%. The other experimental parameters investigated in the study were: aggregate type and curing regime. The properties explored in the study include: setting time, workability, com-pressive and flexural strength and leaching of heavy metals. The mortar mixture proportions were 1 : 3 : 0 . 7 by weight for cement, sand and water, respectively. The results of the study have shown that MWA can be stabilised in mortar mixtures without significant leaching of heavy metals. The setting time of cement paste decreased with the increase in MWA content. The workability of mortar increased when the MWA level was increased. The compressive strength of mortar increased with the increase in the MWA content as a partial replacement of silica sand under moist and autoclaving curing conditions. However, the flexural strength of mortar decreased as the content of MWA increased as a partial replacement of silica sand under moist and autoclaving curing. The amount of heavy metals leached from mortar specimens after 28 days' immersion in water were very small and insignificant (maximum percentage 0 . 58%) compared with the original heavy metals present in the MWA powder.
EcoHealth, 2004
North Jordan Valley (NJV) is a narrow rift valley that extends from lake Tiberius in the north to... more North Jordan Valley (NJV) is a narrow rift valley that extends from lake Tiberius in the north to the Dead Sea in the south. It follows the River Jordan and contains the most fertile lands in Jordan. With a population around 140,000, primarily working in agriculture, NJV is Jordan's premier agricultural production area. NJV is an ecosystem that is stressed both naturally and by human activities. Limited precipitation and very hot summer seasons are stresses that are inherent parts of the ecosystem itself. However, human activities like agriculture, poor sanitation, and tourism produce health risks to the people through the pollution and degradation of natural resources. The area also faces several socioeconomic problems such as poverty, large family size, and unemployment. In NJV, women typically work at home as housewives taking care of large families and are engaged in agricultural activities through which they are exposed, along with men and children, to high temperature and high concentration of pesticides. This article presents the findings of a Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) study that focused on assessing local communities' perception and awareness of the linkages between disruption of the ecosystem and prevailing public health problems. From an academic point of view, one of the key challenges of implementing ecosystem approaches to human health is the incorporation of various stakeholders as full partners throughout the research process rather than as contributors to a research designed from the sole perspective and interests of the academic research team. This study was conceptualized as a preliminary study to guide and inform the design of a larger research study on health and environment linkages in the NJV. The process was considered key for ensuring that research questions would reflect and build upon the priorities of multiple stakeholders, including community members, and would involve them in the design of the research. In addition to the successful involvement of local communities and other stakeholders in the identification of primary health problems and community priorities in the study area, the research played a key role in introducing various stakeholders to the basics of the Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health (Ecohealth) concept. The study took place in two small villages in NJV (Tal Al-Arbaeen and Tal Al-Menteh). The first village is located upstream of the junction point where King Abdullah Canal's fresh water mixes with marginal quality water of King Talal Reservoir (KTR) while the second one is situated downstream. Results of this study showed that local communities are generally aware of the linkages between the health of the ecosystem and human health and well-being. According to the results of
Desalination and Water Treatment, 2009
Utilities involved in drinking water treatment are faced with a serious challenge in achieving th... more Utilities involved in drinking water treatment are faced with a serious challenge in achieving the balance between pathogen destruction by chlorination and trihalomethanes (THMs) minimization below regulatory levels. Mathematical modeling offers an effective tool in cases where the prediction of THM formation is required. The main purpose of this study is to develop an empirical mathematical model that would predict the THM formation in water distribution systems on a laboratory scale. A parallel purpose of the study is to investigate, develop and test procedures for conducting water quality studies related to THM formation. Different types of regression models were investigated using backward elimination for the THM model parameters to select the optimum number of independent variables to be used. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences backward regression revealed that there are five possible empirical models that predict the amount of total THMs formation as a function of various parameters such as, chlorine concentration, contact time, and temperature. The fifth model which only considers the free chlorine as independent variable, explains 80% (R 2 = 0.8) of the variability in total trihalomethanes (TTHM). This means that the best regression variable in predicting the TTHM is the free chlorine. The developed model serves as a basis for conducting further studies of THM formation on real scale water distribution networks.
Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2008
... Mitigation of methane emissions from sanitary landfills and sewage treatment plants in Jordan... more ... Mitigation of methane emissions from sanitary landfills and sewage treatment plants in Jordan Ziad D. Al-Ghazawi Æ Fayez Abdulla ... 2. Then, the emissions from each site at year i were predicted using the following formula (Eq. 4): EMi ¼ POPi/POPiÀ1 ½ EMiÀ1 ð4Þ ...
... Estimated total reserves at Risha field are 230 billion cubic feet (year 2003) fueling a powe... more ... Estimated total reserves at Risha field are 230 billion cubic feet (year 2003) fueling a power station that produces about 10% of Jordan's electricity. You may want to refer to the Arab Gas Pipeline project to import the Egyptian natural gas into Jordan. Electric Power ...
In this work, nickel adsorption onto low Jordanian zeolite dose is being investigated. Natural ze... more In this work, nickel adsorption onto low Jordanian zeolite dose is being investigated. Natural zeolite doses were stirred continuously with nickel solutions in batch reactors at 180 RPM for 24 hours, where the temperature was set to 20°C. The pH was initially 4.5 and reached 5.2 at equilibrium. The removal efficiency of nickel reaches maximum value when the initial nickel concentration is around 1 ppm and then tends to decrease when the initial nickel concentration increases above 1 ppm. The optimal nickel removal reaches 65% when the initial nickel concentration is 1 ppm and the zeolite dose is 26 mg∙dm. This study investigates the behaviour of nickel removal and modelling isotherms below and above this critical peak point. At this level of zeolite dose, the adsorption does not follow either Freundlich or Langmuir isotherms, but rather, it follows Freundlich for the data plot just below the peak point with the highest coefficient of determination (R) equals (0.98) when the zeolite ...
Journal of Basic Microbiology, 2005
Enumeration and recovery of the dominant bacteria from a chronically fuel contaminated soil has b... more Enumeration and recovery of the dominant bacteria from a chronically fuel contaminated soil has been investigated. Bacterial counts from these polluted soils ranged between 0.70 × 10 8 and 28.20 × 10 8 CFU/g soil. Three different types of bacterial colonies have been recovered on the agar plates. Biochemical examination of the recovered bacteria revealed that they mainly belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, Micrococcus and Bacillus. Turbidity, cell biomass (dry weight basis), and physical appearance determined the growth of these bacteria on diesel. A noticeable decline in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) seeds germination of 15-30% was shown at 500 mg/kg diesel or higher. Under these contaminated conditions, fescue grass (Cyndon dactylon) exhibited a higher viability than alfalfa indicating that C. dactylon seeds are relatively tolerant to diesel and can possibly be used in phytoremediation of diesel contaminated soils. Results of diesel phyotoxicity to seed germination of these two plants were based on filter paper media and therefore; should be considered as first indication only. Extrapolation of such results to actual soil conditions should be catiously approached taking into account diesel sorption on soil and mechanisms of its bioavailability.
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2010, 2010
Jordan is considered to be one of the 10 poorest countries worldwide in water resources, and has ... more Jordan is considered to be one of the 10 poorest countries worldwide in water resources, and has a population growth rate of about 2.9% (1998-2002), the 9th highest in the world. The available renewable water resources are dropping drastically to an annual per capita share of 160 m 3 in recent years. Within Jordan, the Zarqa River is the third largest river in terms of its annual discharge. The river is heavily contaminated with treated domestic and industrial wastewater principally from the city of Amman, but still serves as a major source for irrigation water. We consider riverbank filtration (RBF) an appropriate technology that efficiently and dependably procure quality water from Zarqa River thus making a contribution to protect Jordan’s remaining surface and ground water resources. Since 2006, a RBF well field has been installed. Six wells were drilled at various distances from the river. Salt tracers have been released to the hyporheic zone and were detected in a RBF well during subsequent pumping. From the tracer test data, approximated travel times have been established and first observations regarding the removal of microbial matter have been obtained. The data indicate rapid travel times and 2 to 3 log units of removal even over a very short distance from the river (< 10 m). Additional tests are planned to further investigate the performance of the RBF system. However, it is already clear that the RBF has significantly improved the water quality and local farmers have begun using our RBF water for agricultural purposes.
Efficient Management of Wastewater
and Technology (JUST) has a large campus (11 km 2) and has reused water from the university treat... more and Technology (JUST) has a large campus (11 km 2) and has reused water from the university treatment plant for almost 20 years. The campus plant has a design capacity of 2,500 m 3 /d but is currently operating at about 600 m 3 /d. The other source of effluent water is located off campus at Wadi Hassan area about 4 Km south of the university campus. The design capacity of this plant is 2,200 m 3 /d and it has been in operation since September 2001. There are two storage lakes on campus: a 132,000 m 3 lined pond and a 110,000 m 3 capacity reservoir. These sources of effluent water and the existing infrastructure have encouraged the University to irrigate additional portions of the campus and to support the production of cash crops, field crops and forest trees by reclaimed wastewater. There is also a desire to have local community involvement and to train local farmers in the management and use of reclaimed water. JUST pilot has been involving researchers and students in the water reuse activities. Local farming communities and other stakeholders have also been exposed through visits and field days to the reuse activities at JUST so that a more positive attitudes can be created about reuse. The USAID funded water reuse activities at JUST are of great value also for JUST as a university and for the country due to the great research and demonstration value of this activity. JUST water reuse pilot continues its activities that aim to demonstrate and document safe reuse of reclaimed water and reaching at a wider social acceptance of this valuable resource for Jordan. The goal of the pilot project is to evaluate the efficacy and economics of growing new types of crops in the northern area of Jordan utilizing the flow from the existing JUST WWTP as well as the Wadi Hassan WWTP. The crops for the pilot study are selected based on their applicability to the climate and soils of JUST, as well as to be marketed at a profit.
American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Science, 2010
Tolerance of various plant seeds to different concentrations of diesel has been investigated. A n... more Tolerance of various plant seeds to different concentrations of diesel has been investigated. A noticeable decline in Cochorus olitorius seed germination of 57.7-76.9% was shown at 100 mg kg diesel 1
Journal of Water Process Engineering