The University of Jordan is currently investigating the effects of diffuse pollution in the Hidan well field catchment area (Figure 1) on both surface water and groundwater quality. The study focuses on pollutants, including certain heavy metals and nitrate. The catchment area, covering 2,055 km², spans parts of the Capital Amman and Madaba governorates and ultimately drains westward to the Dead Sea via Wadi Wala and its tributaries. The Wala Dam (Figure 2) was constructed in 2002 with a storage capacity of 9.3 MCM and was raised on 2020 to increase its capacity to 25 MCM. It was designed to recharge floodwater into the karstic limestone aquifer throguh 8 recharge wells drilled downstream of the dam. However, most of the stored water seeped naturally into the aquifer. The Hidan well field (7 km downstream of the dam) is used as the main source of drinking water for Madaba governorate with a total population of about 160,000 inhabitants.
Karst formations are characterized by heterogeneity and the presence of fractures and conduites, making them vulnerable to surface contamination. In response, The UJ team is currently studing the cycling of various airborne contaminants to better understand the interactions between atomospheric contaminants concentration, surface water pollution, and the potential for leaching into groundwater. The findings will assist the Jordan Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the Water Authority of Jordan, and its affiliated Miyahuna company in enhancing the planning and management of avialable drinking water sources.
Samples were already collected from different matrices including surface water, groundwater, and potential pollution sources such as agro-industries. Additionally, geogenic sources will be invistaged to improve our understanding of pollutant transport.
Authors: Maha Halalsheh, Khaldoun Shatanawi, and Ghada Kassab - University of Jordan - 12/09/2024