Urban Wastewater as a Source of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation: Barriers and Future Possibilities

Abstract

Water resources are under pressure worldwide, resulting in scarcity and deterioration of freshwater quality. According to European directives, we could reduce the pressure on water resources in urban areas by increasing the reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the impact on water bodies, and promoting water recycling through multiple uses of urban wastewater. Besides the need to address water supply challenges, wastewater treatment systems show environmental stewardship and innovative practices. Using reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation is gaining interest because of the drought conditions experienced in Europe over the past few years. Furthermore, using treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation may help to restore nutrients (N and P) to natural biogeochemical cycles. This review highlights the importance of water reuse, current legislation, and existing technologies to implement in wastewater treatment systems to meet the minimum requirements to produce reclaimed water to reuse in agricultural irrigation.

Climate change, circular economy and foodborne pathogens: assessment of pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella spp. in irrigation water in Italy

“…The use of reclaimed water in irrigation aids in reintegrating essential nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphorus) into natural biogeochemical processes, improves agricultural productivity and reduces the energy demand associated with water production, treatment and distribution. This strategy aligns with the Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy 6 .…”

A Review of Reclaimed Water Reuse for Irrigation in South Asian Countries

“…For example, the failure to conduct proper financial and economic study during the preliminary phase caused a wastewater reuse project to fail in Vishakhapatnam city, India . Therefore, prior to spending valuable national resources, the feasibility of RW reuse projects needs to be assessed based on the existing state of physical infrastructures, economics of benefits and costs, possible financing structure, country’s governance structure, socio-environmental impact, public perception, market conditions, RW application methods, and sensitivity of crops. , …”

“…99 Therefore, prior to spending valuable national resources, the feasibility of RW reuse projects needs to be assessed based on the existing state of physical infrastructures, economics of benefits and costs, possible financing structure, country's governance structure, socio-environmental impact, public perception, market conditions, RW application methods, and sensitivity of crops. 129,130 A general outline of the variables to be considered in different steps of the feasibility study of wastewater reuse project is proposed in Figure 5. Primarily, the need for RW reuse project shall be verified based on the study of social demand for RW, prevailing environmental pollution due to wastewater disposal, status of freshwater availability for agriculture, and existing nutrient levels of soil.…”

Water Recovery from Wastewater by Hydrogels

“…3 Current methods for water resource recovery involve various physical, chemical, and biological technologies, tailored to specific reuse requirements. 4 For example, constructed wetlands have demonstrated their effectiveness and reliability in treating wastewater while mitigating pollution from sewage and other sources. However, their natural adaptability often falls short of achieving comprehensive treatment.…”

“…One promising solution is the utilization of wastewater as a supplementary water source . Current methods for water resource recovery involve various physical, chemical, and biological technologies, tailored to specific reuse requirements . For example, constructed wetlands have demonstrated their effectiveness and reliability in treating wastewater while mitigating pollution from sewage and other sources.…”