Ecological Wastewater Treatment Experiment to Launch in Ghar El Melh
Introduction
A new ecological wastewater treatment experiment is set to launch in Ghar El Melh, in the governorate of Bizerte, according to the Tunisian news agency, Tap. Led by the Centre of Research and Water Technologies (CERTE), the project aims to improve water quality in the sewage canals by relying on natural mechanisms rather than heavy industrial processes.
Project Overview
The initiative will focus on a 600-meter stretch between the El Aousja treatment plant and the Ghar El Melh lagoon, a wetland of great ecological value. This choice is not random, as the waters that pass through this sector eventually join a particularly sensitive ecosystem, whose preservation is a major environmental challenge. The project, recently presented at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia on the occasion of the National Water Day, is directed by researcher Meriem Ben Saïd. It is part of the research efforts dedicated to protecting water resources and finding sustainable solutions to pollution challenges.
Methodology
Concretely, the researchers plan to transform the canal banks into spaces capable of participating in the purification of the water themselves. Reeds will be planted along the course to promote the natural absorption of some pollutants. In parallel, the teams will work to strengthen the beneficial microorganisms present in the environment, whose action contributes to the degradation of certain undesirable substances. The objective is to create a biological system capable of gradually reducing the polluting loads carried by the wastewater before it reaches the lagoon. The researchers hope to decrease the presence of organic matter, excess nutrients, and pathogenic microorganisms that could alter the balance of the ecosystem.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A 12-month scientific monitoring phase will accompany the experimentation. Regular sampling will allow for the evaluation of the evolution of water quality and the measurement of the device's real performance in field conditions.
Partnerships and Replicability
The project brings together several Tunisian and foreign scientific partners. It also involves local actors, including farmers in the region, agricultural development structures, and the National Sanitation Office, to promote an integrated approach to water management. For CERTE, one of the main advantages of this solution lies in its relatively low cost compared to certain conventional techniques. The researchers also estimate that the model could be reproduced in other regions facing similar problems, particularly in the Mediterranean areas.
Expected Outcomes
In the long term, the results of the experimentation will serve to develop a scientific and technical guide for managers and decision-makers. The ambition is to provide a practical framework for the deployment of nature-based solutions in wastewater treatment and the protection of aquatic environments.
