Jordan faces severe water scarcity, making the sustainable management of its water resources critical for the region’s agricultural sector and food security. Agriculture in Jordan depends on wastewater reuse and wadi runoff stored in surface reservoirs to meet critical water demands. However, the risks associated with water quality deterioration particularly due to emerging contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics remain largely unknown. This lack of data presents a significant challenge to safely managing agricultural resources and protecting public health in the region.
To address this, this project assesses the seasonal variation of water quality parameters across all 10 surface reservoirs and along the King Abdullah Canal to highlight water quality hazards. Samples will be analyzed for traditional water quality components in local laboratories, while selected emerging contaminants will be analyzed in Germany. By comparing existing historic data with newly collected samples, the study will assess sources of surface water contamination and discuss potential mitigation strategies. Ultimately, the project will evaluate the quality of surface water resources in Jordan and determine the health hazards associated with using this water for irrigation, with a specific focus on emerging contaminants.