Effluent Water Quality at Phosphate Mines in M’Dhilla, Tunisia and its Potential Environmental Effects

The physicochemical characteristics of effluent water produced by phosphate mining and processing in M’dhilla, Tunisia, its potential environmental effects, and its suitability for irrigation were studied. Five effluent water samples were collected from the M’dhilla phosphate plant and analyzed for selected parameters, including chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, metals, sulfate, and chloride. Most of the contaminant concentrations exceeded international water quality standards. Water treatment is recommended for all effluents in the M’Dhilla industrial area to improve received water quality. The potential adverse environmental effects and human health risks associated with the discharge of phosphate mining wastewater are also discussed.