Chapter 12 - Assessment and monitoring of human health risk during wastewater reuse

Abstract

Wastewater reuse has attracted remarkable attention during recent decades as an alternative source of water. Recycling waste water for irrigation, forests, and agricultural fields have been very common nowadays. Industries also recycle waste water for different purposes as an alternative to freshwater. In spite of the fact that waste water reuse could significantly enrich nation’s water resources, however, there are potential risks of human exposure to pathogenic and chemical contaminants from waste water reuse. Toxic chemicals such as pollutants, pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins are drained into freshwater from sewage treatment plants and industrial effluents. Several studies have identified some resistant strains of bacteria which survive the antibiotic treatment during the recycling process of water. In a recent study it also has been concluded that SARS-COV2, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic is found to be present in wastewater increasing the risk of contamination. The presence of these substances is of utmost concern because of their reduced biodegradability which might lead to biomagnification. Even after treatment using it for potable use is not safe because even the trace exposure of these pollutants can lead to adverse health outcomes. The use of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes is practiced in many countries but persistence of these substances leading to bioaccumulation in plants and their consumption by human population can cause serious hazards. The risk assessment methods followed should be in compliance with the regulatory authorities like United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). There are several risk assessment studies which have been conducted. The current chapter deals with the identification of different pathogens and chemical hazards present in waste water, monitoring and assessment of the human health hazards associated with it and optimize the strategies of waste water reuse to safeguard human health.