Evaluation of the treatment performance and reuse potential in agriculture of organized industrial zone (OIZ) wastewater through an innovative vermifiltration approach

Although in water-deficient regions, agricultural runoff, drainage water or surplus irrigation water is often used, there are constraints related to its quality to be considered (salinity, nutrients and pollutants). Thus, it is necessary to treat surplus irrigation water considering the low-energy supply systems available to farmers. This work focuses on a nature-based water treatment system consisting of two prototypes of anaerobic bioreactors with horizontal or vertical flow. To enhance the circular economy strategy, two different wastes (coarse sand and almond pruning) were used as bioreactor components. The aim of the research was to monitor the quality of the water (pH, electrical conductivity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, alkalinity and bicarbonate, carbonate and nitrogen contents) before and after the treatment. All the parameters studied (except chemical oxygen demand) were reduced by the treatments, but with large variations. Furthermore, there was 100% nitrogen reduction in the horizontal water flow treatment with the filter bed formed by coarse sand and almond pruning. It was observed that the variation in the concentration of some parameters was associated with the type of filter bed (i.e., the C/N ratio of the residue) and with the design for water circulation flow. Although the findings are promising, further research is needed to achieve reductions in all studied parameters.

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“…Weekly changes in irrigation water characteristics were calculated as the percentage of variation according to Equation (1) [51]:…”

Section: Water Characterization Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-Quality Irrigation Water Treated Using Waste Biofilters

Rodrıguez-Espinosa

Gimeno

Candel

et al. 2023

Water

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“…For pathogen removal also, additional disinfection steps may be required for safe reuse of wastewater. Furthermore, the concentrations of heavy metals in VF effluent often do not meet acceptable thresholds, especially for industrial waters [ 48 ]. Environmental sensitivity: The effectiveness of vermifiltration is sensitive to environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity levels, which can have an impact on earthworm activity.…”

Section: Benefits and Limitations Of Vermifiltrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Benefits and Limitations Of Vermifiltrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, wastewaters can have varying characteristics that can affect VF performances. For example, industrial wastewater may contain toxic chemicals that can inhibit earthworm activity, reducing treatment efficiency [ 48 ]. Earthworms are well-known for their ability to withstand various types of contaminants, including herbicides, heavy metals, and organic pollutants that often originate from industrial, factory, and hospital wastewater as well as sewage sludge [ 56 ].…”

Section: Different Factors To Consider In the Implementation Of A Ver...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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