Monte Carlo Modeling of Air Conditioner Condensate Water Quality and Its Reuse Potential in Iranshahr, Iran

Introduction: In dry areas like Iranshahr, traditional water sources cannot meet the growing needs of people. Reusing water from sources like air conditioner condensate is important. Since there is little information about its quality and safety for irrigation or drinking, evaluating the water’s quality and safety for reuse through advanced methods like Monte Carlo simulation is essential. Methods: Samples were collected in triplicate from ۳۰ air conditioning units to enhance reliability of the data. Chemical analyses measured pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), hardness, and specific ions (chloride, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)). SPSS alongside Monte Carlo simulation were utilized to assess variability and potential risks associated with water reuse. Results: The water quality analysis of the condensate revealed an average chloride concentration of ۵۱.۹۱ mg/L, Na at ۶۷.۴۹ mg/L, Ca at ۱۴.۳۷ mg/L, and Mg at ۲۰.۰۱ mg/L. Temporary hardness averaged ۱۲۷.۲۳ mg/L as CaCO۳, permanent hardness ۱۷۸.۳۸ mg/L as CaCO۳, and total hardness (TH) reached ۳۰۵.۶۲ mg/L as CaCO۳. TDS were measured at ۱۹۶.۱۵ mg/L, EC at ۲۹۶.۷۴ μS/cm, and the pH was slightly alkaline at ۷.۱۳. Based on the histogram of water quality index (WQI), the WQI values of the samples ranged between ۳۲.۱۴ and ۱۲۶.۶. This is equivalent to “Moderate” to “Poor” quality water. Conclusion: The results indicate high potential for reuse of such a water source, especially for non-potable purposes such as irrigation. Detailed further studies are, however, required to properly evaluate its safety, treatment requirements, and suitability for larger applications.

Keywords:

Air conditioner condensate , Water Quality Index , Monte Carlo simulation , Water Reuse , Irrigation potential