Project Summary

Currently, several projects are looking at options to recharge groundwater in the West Bank, with a special focus on wadis draining into the Jordan River in the vicinity of Jericho. Recovery of the recharged groundwater is foreseen, and the water could potentially be used for irrigation or drinking water purposes. However, not much is known about the water quality, both the development of hydrochemistry by natural pathways and the anthropogenic pollution, be it by wastewater (treated and untreated), dumps, or non-point sources. This research characterized the chemistry and hydrochemical evolution of surface and groundwater in one of more wadis draining towards the Jordan Valley that are relevant to aquifer storage and recovery/managed aquifer recharge (ASR/MAR). 

Project Objectives

The project objectives were to:
- Train staff to do a reconnaissance survey in one or two wadis draining into the Jordan River Valley, potentially by chemical routing along the stretch of the wadi, and to characterize the water hydrochemical.
- Course development which included new ideas on water quality and water resources like using different lab and greenhouse researches on phytoremediation, and hydroponics had been implemented in the treatment of brackish water exists in Jericho groundwater wells by using two strains of PGPRs. These strains are used for germination of different plant species.

Project Team