Abstract
The Ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis (UF + RO) membrane system is nowadays frequently used in wastewater reclamation. The almost complete removal of the dissolved elements, however, raises concerns about the suitability of the water treated by this system for agricultural irrigation. This study compared the irrigation qualities of UF + RO permeate and conventional tertiary effluent, using the WHO guidelines. Obtained results indicated slight to moderate degrees of restrictions are required for the reuse of the tertiary effluent as agricultural irrigation water, while no restrictions are needed for the UF + RO permeate. But it had also been found that the UF + RO system unnecessarily deprive the reclaimed water from nutrients and organic matters, which would have been recycled beneficially through agricultural irrigation.
Highlights
Water scarcity is the main reason for the increasing trend in wastewater reuse in agriculture worldwide
Potential problems related to wastewater reuse are risks from pathogenic microorganisms, increased soil salinity due to high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations, clogging of soils and/or irrigation systems with suspended solids [4], and introduction of toxics to crops and crop consumers [5]
A reclaimed wastewater that will be reused as agricultural irrigation water should satisfy certain quality requirements, e.g. the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) proposed quality requirements [6]
Summary
Water scarcity is the main reason for the increasing trend in wastewater reuse in agriculture worldwide. In arid and semi arid regions, where water resources are very limited, wastewater reuse has become the most attractive option to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources. Wastewater reuse has generally proven to be economically and environmentally beneficial [1]. Advantages of wastewater reuse include reduction of the amount of freshwater extracted from the environment, provision of a reliable supply of large amounts of water, enhancement of crop productivity and reduction of environmental degradation [1,2,3]. A reclaimed wastewater that will be reused as agricultural irrigation water should satisfy certain quality requirements, e.g. the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) proposed quality requirements [6]
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