Restoration of Qaraoun Lake aquatic life based on wetland treatment concept

Qaraoun Lake, the largest artificial lake in Lebanon, suffered severe environmental issues due to discharging untreated domestic and industrial wastewater into it, throwing garbage, which transformed this waste storage instead of using water for agricultural purposes making surrounding places attractive tourists as was before. Moreover, violations on Litany River, Lebanon's main artery, also affected Lake. Therefore, reservoir suffers from annual blooms potentially toxic cyanobacteria. Recently, tons fish are washed up at surface water, areas irrigated with polluted Lake is no longer an touristic place. Besides, climate change represented lower precipitation higher evaporation rates past few years addition increase demand growth local population refugees nearby countries have vulnerability sector Lebanon. All these resulted deterioration quality, generating issues, seriously affecting ecosystem. The purpose research investigate possible remediation strategies, could help restoration reservoir. For purpose, Litani River quality hydrological data collected Authority (LRA). a hydrodynamic model has been developed Mike21 order restore lake's aquatic life by eliminating nutrients through constructed wetland concept, reasonably simulated parameters Consequently, remarkably reduce pollutants 85%, 43.7%, 57%, 56% BOD, Phosphorous, Nitrate, Ammonia, respectively. treated after passing wetland, successfully improved may lead re-originate its