Evaluation of the wastewater treatment plant efficiency in western Morocco, Kenitra city

Wastewater treatment plants play a pivotal role in safeguarding the environment and public health by treating and purifying wastewater before it is released back into natural water bodies. These facilities are essential for mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of urbanization and industrialization, as they help prevent the contamination of rivers, lakes, and oceans with harmful pollutants. Efficient wastewater treatment plants are vital to ensure that the treated water meets regulatory standards and poses no threat to aquatic ecosystems and human communities. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the efficiency of Kenitra wastewater treatment plant process. Over a 6-month period, the study collected and analyzed wastewater samples at the plant's input and output, focusing on parameters such as BOD5, COD, SS, pH, temperature, conductivity, and heavy metals. The data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software, applying chi-square, Fisher's tests, and PCA to draw conclusions from the findings. The physico-chemical analysis of untreated wastewater revealed that most of the assessed parameters remained within acceptable discharge limits, indicating effective purification. Notably, the COD/BOD5 ratio fell within the 2 to 3 range, signifying the wastewater's high biodegradability. Water conductivity, a pivotal water quality assessment indicator, was found to average 1969.00±214.958 μs/cm. The treated wastewater exhibited an acidic pH, with an average value of 5, underscoring the need for coagulant optimization and pH adjustment prior to discharge. On the other hand, the monthly mean values of heavy metals have significantly decreased, especially during April and May. While these findings are promising, it is important to broaden the sampling across additional months for a comprehensive assessment. This research serves as a foundational resource for future studies on the Kenitra WWTP, offering insights that can aid in optimizing plant performance and exploring alternative treatment methods.