Water & Soil Environmental Research Unit (WSERU)
Bethlehem University - Chemistry Department
Dr. Alfred Abed Rabbo, Director
l. Background
The Bethlehem University Water and Soil Environmental Research Unit (WSERU)
was established in 1988 by the Chemistry Department. The unit is part of the
Bethlehem University Outreach Programme to the local community. Over these last
years WSERU has been able to respond effectively to requests from a large number of
Municipal Authorities, PWA, Village Councils for help and information on water
quality issues. WSERU has set up an ongoing data base on the water quality of the
West Bank and Gaza. The unit has developed a programme for water and soil analysis
for Bethlehem University graduates, in addition to its continuous training programme
for young men and women in the sampling and testing techniques that are valuable to
their careers.
Bethlehem University Water and Soil Environmental Research Unit (WSERU) has
been analyzing water sampled from wells, springs and cisterns throughout the West
Bank since 1988. The work centered initially on chemical, physical and biological
testing. There was also wastewater quality testing for irrigational reuse. A
metrological station for rainfall data and other parameters are recorded daily on
Bethlehem University roof.
Techniques and equipments have improved, thanks to Irish Development Aid, so that
impurities to the level of parts per billion (ppb) can now be detected. We are part of
reference standard sample program with USGS for testing sample quality control
since 1998.
2. Scope of work
Water , waste water and soil:
There are hydrogeological and hydrochemistry studies were done along the West
Bank. Several projects were concerned on such studies. Chemical and biological
analysis in addition to Feacal coliform and Total coliform were done for periodic
sampling for springs, deep and shallow wells, network and surface runoff.
Checking waste water quality for chemical and biological contaminants was done.
Awareness of local communities especially the farmers for the benefits of using
treated waste water for agricultural purposes.
Check for soil quality which is specific for certain crops including the major minerals
such as nitrogen, boron, phosphorous and potassium.
Meteorological data and solid waste management:
Collecting meteorological data of daily rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind
speed from the roof of Bethlehem University. The data are useful for future
environmental studies for the area.
Encourage the local communities for protecting the environment from contaminants
by the solid wastes including quarries, solid dumps and factories' waste.
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 Educational and local communities:
To upgrade the environmental view among students through workshops held in the
WSERU lab. Workshops and field visits help the students to see the importance of
clean environment with its advantages on human health for the future generations.
Encourage the environmental awareness through educating housewives and women
sector for protecting the environment for the future generations. This is held through
performing water quality and recycled garbage.
3. Local & International Dissemination:
Regular participation in local and international conferences and workshops which
will upgrade the environmental view of WSERU members.
Running local workshops and lectures for the local communities including the
educational, women and governmental sectors.
Participate with external communities through video conferences.
Publishing 2-3 scientific papers in international journals per year.
Work in co-operation with and to be a source of information for the Palestinian
National Authority (PNA), particularly with the Water Authority (PWA) and the
Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Tourism, Local government and with the
Municipal Authorities. We also work closely with the national and international
NGOs dealing with water and environmental issues.
Capacity Building for Palestinian Science Graduates by the Development and
implementation of a Master's degree in Water Resource Management.
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