MAXIMIZING BENEFITS AND MINIMIZING RISKS: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURAL REUSE OF WASTEWATE

Abstract

Water scarcity is a pressing concern worldwide, leading to the development of new management strategies to increase water supply. Among these strategies, wastewater treatment offers a green and sustainable solution to alleviate water crises. In this review, we find that the reuse of treated wastewater in high-demand water sector of irrigation is the most promising way to cope up with both water scarcity and wastewater disposal. However, properly managed wastewater treatment schemes that adhere to good agriculture practices and routine monitoring are essential to minimize negative health and environmental impacts. The reuse of treated wastewater provides reliable and cheap irrigation water supply, contributes to food security, reduces waste production, and improves environmental health. Moreover, adequate control of non-biodegradable and toxic industrial wastewater can solve significant issues. On the other hand, there are potential risks associated with the reuse of inadequately treated wastewater. These risks include contamination of the food chain, adverse health effects due to exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, soil salination or accumulation of unknown constituents, and degradation of groundwater quality. Therefore, before using treated sewage in agriculture, careful evaluation at the project planning stage, crop selection, and irrigation management should follow guidelines. Multidisciplinary research, training programs for treatment plant operators, and awareness programs for farmers can help in better management of health and environmental impacts.