THE POTENTIAL FOR USING PRODUCED WATER FROM OIL PURIFICATION VIA CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS IN YEMEN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Yemen is a country with limited water resources (125 million cubic meters per capita per year). It is facing an acute water crisis that threatens its agriculture, economy, and food security. The country's agriculture uses more than 90% of its water supply and is struggling with excessive groundwater extraction, salinization, and a decrease in aquifer levels of 2-4 meters annually. This article examines the potential use of purified produced water from the oil and gas industry for agricultural irrigation. We suggest using constructed wetlands to treat this water. Using the example of the Marib region, we can see that out of 100,000 barrels of oil produced per day, 500,000 barrels of water can be purified and provide 29 million cubic meters of water per year. This is enough to irrigate 2,900 hectares of land, making it possible to grow saltresistant crops like alfalfa and cotton. It can also be used for more sensitive crops like tomatoes and sorghum, which require diluted water. The implementation of projects that use constructed wetlands can help reduce the pressure on limited freshwater resources, decrease environmental threats, and strengthen the agricultural sector.