The reuse of wastewater, after treatment, is part of Tunisian water resources mobilization and development strategy. The contribution of treated wastewater to irrigation remains low, and concerns less than 5% of irrigated areas, despite the incentives. This is mainly due to its mediocre quality. In order to improve the quality of treated wastewater and contribute to its use for agricultural purposes, the efficiency of 4 wastewater treatment plants in Tunisia (Choutrana II, Borj Touil,Korba, Kelibia) were evaluated under the framework of MENAWARA – ENI CBC Med project.
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Based on the analyses of the global conditions of the WWTPs current quality of the effluents and the Tunisian standards for reuse in agriculture, pre- and post- complementary treatment trains were designed according to the “fit for purpose” principle in a stakeholder-driven process, and accounting for the implications of COVID-19 virus on the wastewater sector. More precisely, the upgrade of the 4 plants includes: In Choutrana II, a post-treatment based on a filtration process using pressure sand filters and a subsequent disinfection applying an ultraviolet radiation in conjunction with the existing secondary clarifiers; In Bourj Touil, a sedimentation tank to eliminate the sludge that flows from the existing storage basin upstream of the Constructed Wetlands and produces clogging in the filter beds ahead the existing Constructed Wetlands; A complementary treatment line in Korba composed by a filtration treatment through pressure sand filters, after the existing maturation pond; For Kelibia, the existing secondary treatment (secondary clarifiers) will be upgraded by installing a pressurized sand filter, rehabilitating the existing UV system and the existing pumping system.
