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Feasibility of rainwater harvesting as an alternative water supply method for rural areas in semi-arid climates
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Mehdi Fard Davaji    , Nader Jandaghi * , Mojtaba Ghareh Mahmoodlu , Amin Mohamadi Ostadkelaye , Mostafa Seyyed |
| Associate Professor, Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad, Iran, E-mail: nader.jandaghi@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (199 Views) |
| In this study, the physicochemical and microbiological quality of six water sources, including three local sources in Chenaran village (a reservoir, a waterfall, and a spring) and three rainwater harvesting sources (collected from bitumen-coated roofs, asbestos roofs, and open surfaces), was evaluated over two time intervals (at the time of sampling and two months later). Sampling was conducted in three replications, and twelve quality parameters, including EC, TDS, pH, nitrate, phosphate, and alkaline metals, were measured using standard laboratory methods. The results were compared with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Iranian National Standard (ISIRI 1053). The statistical analysis using the paired T-test indicated that the mean values of five quality parameters, including phosphate, nitrate, sodium, EC, and turbidity, exhibited significant differences between the two sampling periods (p-values: 0.015, 0.000, 0.013, 0.022, and 0.010; p-value<0.05). In contrast, the least variation between the two periods was observed for the quality factors Ca and TDS, with p-values of 0.562 and 0.508, respectively. The Gibbs diagram analysis indicated that the quality parameters of rainwater sources had an atmospheric origin, while the local sources were influenced by geochemical processes (rock–water interaction). The cationic trilinear diagram revealed that some sources, such as the reservoir and waterfall, exhibited sodium-type water, while others, like the bitumen-coated roof, showed calcium-type water. The microbial analyses revealed that the waterfall and spring water sources were contaminated in both sampling periods and therefore require disinfection before drinking, whereas rainwater and reservoir sources were free from microbial contamination. Overall, although most of the village’s water sources met drinking water standards, preliminary microbial treatment remains essential to ensure safety for human consumption. |
Article number: 3 |
| Keywords: Rainwater Harvesting, Physicochemical Characteristics, Microbial Contamination, Gibbs Diagram, Chenaran Village |
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Full-Text [PDF 2384 kb]
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
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