Mohammad Aljaradin , Raed Bashitialshaaer, Hossam Alitawi , Mazen Amaireh
Abstract
Reusing of 3.3 MCM (million cubic meter) of water every year from utilizing thermal water of the hot
springs will boost the availability of water at the Dead Sea area. This water represent an additional sources of
water for agribusiness in which all available springs and similar sources can follow the same way of successful.
In this work the water quality of Afra hot springs was analysed at source and compared with the water at
downstream at the Dead Sea area. Microbial analysis found no traces for faecal coliform and E.coli bacteria
which lower the risk for contract diseases when the water is used for irrigation without any prior treatment. The
water at upstream rich with high trace of metals with a significant content of bicarbonate, BOD5 and COD but
within Jordanian standards for irrigation purposes. Slight variations between physicochemical parameters and
trace metal contents found between the water from the source and the water at the downstream because of
surface runoff interactions at the way down. Afra spring water at the source is considered as low-enthalpy
geothermal sources, as the temperature is range between 45-48 oC, therefore, power generation is unlikely to be
possible. However, it can be used in curative water tourist. According to the water quality and availability,
different suggestions for treatment and uses will be defined in this paper. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential
uses at the downstream.
الدكتور محمد الجرادين | Mohammad Aljaradin | 12501