Review: Reuse of Treated Wastewater

Abstract

Abstract: Water reuse generally refers to the process of using treated wastewater (reclaimed water) for beneficial purposes such as agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes, nonpotable urban applications (such as toilet flushing, street washing, and fire protection), groundwater recharge, recreation, and direct or undirected water supply. Its increased application has been facilitated by modern wastewater treatment processes that have advanced substantially during the twentieth century. Water Reuse is a reality at international. Several practices have emerged around the world as results of different needs, perspectives and policies. Accelerating development occurred in the past 15 years, especially in the application field of potable reuse. Technologies and treatment flowsheets have been studied and validated, demonstrating advanced water quality, safety and suitability for potable reuse applications. Reuse of wastewater after its treatment may be a good alternative for regions, which suffer from lack of pure water or have limited access to water resources. Effective water reuse applications require a combination of advanced treatment technologies. Increasingly these include a combination of low-pressure technologies MF/UF followed by NF/RO (high pressure) to provide a high-quality grade of water. Submerged membrane bioreactor systems (MBR) have also become a viable alternative for wastewater reuse technologies. Reuse technologies may be applied for municipal and industrial wastewater. Reuse of wastewater is only possible if sanitary and environmental safety is provided with no hazard for current ecosystem. That fact requires strict fulfilment of laws and regulation. Wastewater to be reused has to follow a certain sequence of treatment procedures to reduce concentration of pollutants in it. Water reuse (also commonly known as water recycling or water reclamation) reclaims water from a variety of sources then treats and reuses it for beneficial purposes such as agriculture and irrigation, potable water supplies, groundwater replenishment, industrial processes, and environmental restoration. Water reuse can provide alternatives to existing water supplies and be used to enhance water security, sustainability, and resilience that might be traditional methods (waste separation, sedimentation), methods of removal of certain components (nitrogen and phosphorus), disinfection