PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ARTIFICIAL POND TO CONTROL THE EUTROPHICATION PROCESS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract: This study aimed at investigating the physical and chemical parameters prevailed in artificial pond at Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) campus over a period of twelve months, in order to identify the main sources for the increase in nitrate and phosphate levels and their role in blooming growth of algae in this reservoir. Six sampling stations were selected for the investigation depending on water sources inlet and water outlet. All samples were tested for physical and chemical characterizations according to the standard methods. Parameters such as temperature, pH, water transparency, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured on site. While other parameters such as nitrate, phosphate, chloride, chemical oxygen demand (COD), alkalinity, heavy metals including (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu), and soft metals (Na and K) were measured in the laboratory. Results of PO4 and NO3 values for all stations lie within both WHO and Jordanian guidelines. Sometimes in winter season both effluents from Wadi Hassan wastewater treatment plant and JUST wastewater treatment plant reach the upper permissible limit for phosphate. For NO3 values for some cases; the input from JUST wastewater treatment plant exceeded the acceptable limits. Measurements of all others parameters, for all stations, were within permissible limits and do not have negative impact on water quality of the pond.

Keywords: Artificial pond, Eutrophication, Nitrate, Phosphate, JUST.