Sustainable water management in the Jordanian phosphate mining industry
(2024) In TVVR 5000 VVRM05 20241Division of Water Resources Engineering
- Abstract
- Jordan is a very water stressed country with very low annual renewable water resources per capita. The effluent wastewater from two Jordanian phosphate mines (the Al-Abiad and the Eshidiya mine) was analysed and compared with the national and international standards and regulations for irrigation and industrial effluent wastewater. The water management at the mines was examined from a sustainable management point of view, to achieve the SDGs in Jordan. The effluent water was high in salinity at both mines, mainly because of the high chloride concentrations. Some heavy metals were over the guidelines by FAO and the Jordanian standard and the effluent water did not meet the water quality requirements for irrigation or discharge into surface... (More)
- Jordan is a very water stressed country with very low annual renewable water resources per capita. The effluent wastewater from two Jordanian phosphate mines (the Al-Abiad and the Eshidiya mine) was analysed and compared with the national and international standards and regulations for irrigation and industrial effluent wastewater. The water management at the mines was examined from a sustainable management point of view, to achieve the SDGs in Jordan. The effluent water was high in salinity at both mines, mainly because of the high chloride concentrations. Some heavy metals were over the guidelines by FAO and the Jordanian standard and the effluent water did not meet the water quality requirements for irrigation or discharge into surface water. The phosphate mining industry brings economic benefits to society, including the provision of regional employment and the generation of wealth, and will continue to be an important part of Jordan’s economy and development. But, the mining is not sustainable in the way it is operated. Investment in the effluent wastewater treatment needs to be done, in order to reach a sustainable water management. (Less)
- Popular Abstract
- Jordan, a country struggling with severe water scarcity, faces a critical challenge in managing its limited water resources. This predicament is exacerbated by the country's low annual renewable water resources per capita, placing a deep strain on its ecosystems and communities. In this context, a recent study focusing on the effluent wastewater from two phosphate mines in Jordan, Al-Abiad and Eshidiya, sheds light on the complex interplay between water management, industrial mining activities, effluent water quality and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The study analysed the composition of effluent wastewater from these mines, comparing it against both national and international standards for irrigation and industrial effluent.... (More) - Jordan, a country struggling with severe water scarcity, faces a critical challenge in managing its limited water resources. This predicament is exacerbated by the country's low annual renewable water resources per capita, placing a deep strain on its ecosystems and communities. In this context, a recent study focusing on the effluent wastewater from two phosphate mines in Jordan, Al-Abiad and Eshidiya, sheds light on the complex interplay between water management, industrial mining activities, effluent water quality and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The study analysed the composition of effluent wastewater from these mines, comparing it against both national and international standards for irrigation and industrial effluent. Results revealed significant deviations from recommended guidelines, particularly in salinity levels driven by high chloride concentrations. Furthermore, the presence of heavy metals exceeding recommended thresholds set by the Food and Agriculture Organization and Jordanian standards posed environmental and public health concerns. However, existing treatment methods are often costly and may require significant energy inputs.
The growing demand for fertilizers is driving increased phosphate mining activity, increasing water consumption. This is particularly concerning given Jordan's limited freshwater resources, posing challenges at local, regional, national, and global levels. Over-abstraction of groundwater not only impacts local water tables but also exacerbates salinity, reducing productivity and necessitating further water extraction. While the phosphate mining industry is important to Jordan's economy, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth, the sustainability of current practices is called into question. Moreover, the government's partial ownership of mining operations intertwines economic interests with responsibilities for sustainable water management. Also, the release of toxic pollutants from mining activities threatens both human health and the environment.
To address these challenges and align with SDGs, sustainable water management practices must be prioritised in phosphate mining operations. This requires investment in effluent wastewater treatment technologies to mitigate pollution and ensure compliance with water quality standards. By prioritizing sustainability and embracing innovative solutions, Jordan can chart a course toward a more resilient and just future. Such efforts not only safeguard precious water resources for present and future generations but also contribute to the attainment of broader developmental objectives outlined in the SDGs.
In conclusion, while phosphate mining remains vital to Jordan's economy, current practices are unsustainable. Urgent investment in wastewater treatment is necessary to mitigate environmental harm, safeguard public health and ensure the industry's long-term viability within the framework of sustainable development goals. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, stakeholders can navigate the complex challenges posed by water stress and pave the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9149101
- author
- Johansson, Tove LU
- supervisor
- organization
- alternative title
- Hållbar vattenresurshantering i den jordanska fosfatgruvindustrin
- course
- VVRM05 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Minor field study, phosphate mining, Jordan, sustainable water management, water quality
- publication/series
- TVVR 5000
- report number
- TVVR23/5007
- ISSN
- 1101-9824
- language
- English
- additional info
- Examiner: Ronny Berndtsson
- id
- 9149101
- date added to LUP
- 2024-02-27 09:08:17
- date last changed
- 2024-02-27 09:08:17
@misc{9149101,
abstract = {{Jordan is a very water stressed country with very low annual renewable water resources per capita. The effluent wastewater from two Jordanian phosphate mines (the Al-Abiad and the Eshidiya mine) was analysed and compared with the national and international standards and regulations for irrigation and industrial effluent wastewater. The water management at the mines was examined from a sustainable management point of view, to achieve the SDGs in Jordan. The effluent water was high in salinity at both mines, mainly because of the high chloride concentrations. Some heavy metals were over the guidelines by FAO and the Jordanian standard and the effluent water did not meet the water quality requirements for irrigation or discharge into surface water. The phosphate mining industry brings economic benefits to society, including the provision of regional employment and the generation of wealth, and will continue to be an important part of Jordan’s economy and development. But, the mining is not sustainable in the way it is operated. Investment in the effluent wastewater treatment needs to be done, in order to reach a sustainable water management.}},
author = {{Johansson, Tove}},
issn = {{1101-9824}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
series = {{TVVR 5000}},
title = {{Sustainable water management in the Jordanian phosphate mining industry}},
year = {{2024}},
}