Cover
Vol. 26 No. 1 (2026)

Published: July 28, 2026

Pages: 35-43

Research Article

Assessment of Wastewater Characteristics and Potential Environmental Impacts: A Case Study at Basrah University/ Engineering College

Samar A. Al-Khafaji 1
1 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq
History
  • Received: May 4, 2026
  • Revised: June 1, 2026
  • Accepted: June 6, 2026
  • Available Online: July 28, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.33971/bjes.26.1.5

Abstract

Higher education institutions, as one of the powerful actors contributing to pollution and impact on the environment, are not an exception in adoption of sustainable practices. Thus, this study aims to investigate the sewage disposal condition at University of Basrah situated adjacent to the Shatt al-Arab, which is estimated as the artery that feeds water to Basra/southern Iraq regions. The release of non-treated or poorly treated water is a real danger to the aquatic and terrestrial species in Governorate. Consequently, samples were collected for analysis during summer and winter seasons to investigate their physical, chemical and biological characteristics acknowledged as basic criteria for assessment of environmental degradation: DO, TDS, NO3, NO2, PO4, SO4 pH. Also, measured are BOD and COD. Preliminary studies suggest that wastewater properties differ with its origin and associated practices. These differences emphasize the need for targeted management strategies depending on the origin of wastewater. In order to be able to decide whether the treatment of wastewater and measures for environmental protection are appropriate, this study provides valuable information on the nature of wastewater generated in University of Basrah, College of Engineering. The findings help decision makers in the field of wastewater management for implementing the exact strategies of sustainable sewage treatment and disposal legislations, which consequently saving water resources.

Keywords

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