Effluent Irrigation Research Articles

Deciphering integrated soil potential ecological and human health risks attributable to industrial effluents irrigation and wheat consumption.

Iron-steel (IS) and textile (T) are among the major polluting industries worldwide which generate large quantities of effluents containing potentially toxic metals (PTMs). Irrigation application of these effluents due to freshwater shortage is a common practice in developing countries. The current research endeavors to investigate potentially toxic metals in IS and T effluents, contamination status and ecological risk assessment of irrigated soils, PTMs accumulation in grains of diverse wheat germplasm and human health risk appraisal. Soil irrigation with effluents significantly enhanced soil nitrate-nitrogen (T, 285.86mg/kg; IS, 539.70mg/kg), phosphorus (T, 8.35mg/kg; IS, 11.44mg/kg), organic matter (T, 6.05%; IS, 4.48%) and PTMs contents compared to control (C). Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index revealed substantial contamination trend of PTMs in IS (Ni > Cr > Co > Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn) and T (Co > Cd > Ni > Cu > Cr) treated soils. Potential ecological risk index and modified potential ecological risk index placed T (very high risk) and IS (considerable risk) irrigated soils in respective categories, with highest risk contributions from Cd, Co and Ni. The interactive effects for PTMs accumulation in grains of 30 wheat genotypes were recorded significant. Average PTMs accumulation in grains for the three irrigation treatments was IS > T > C for Zn, Cr, Mn, Pb, Fe, Ni and T > IS > C for Co, Cd, Cu. Multivariate statistical analysis ( principal component analyses) was used to identify the wheat genotypes with higher or lower grain PTMs accumulative potential on effluent irrigation. The genotypes with a lower grain PTMs accumulation and human health risks are recommended for cultivation in agro-systems receiving IS and T effluents, in order to safeguard wheat crop and human health.

Persulfate photolysis and limited irrigation of recycled wastewater for turfgrass growth: Accumulation of pharmaceutical and personal care products and physiological responses

Recycled wastewater effluent irrigation and implementing limited irrigation rates are two promising strategies for water conservation in agriculture. However, one major challenge is the accumulation and translocation of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) from recycled water to crops. This study investigated the effects of UV persulfate (UV/PS) treatment of recycled water and limited irrigation rate on PPCPs accumulation and physiological responses of St. Augustine turfgrass via a 14-week field trial. Carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), triclosan (TCS), fluoxetine (FLX) and diclofenac (DCF) were spiked at 0.1–1.5 µg/L into recycled water and two limited irrigation rates corresponding to 60 % and 80 % of reference Evapotranspiration (ETo) were applied. Results showed that UV/PS removed 60 % of CBZ and > 99 % of other PPCPs from recycled water. Irrigation with UV/PS treated recycled water resulted in approximately a 60 % reduction in CBZ accumulation and complete removal of SMX, DCF, FLX and TCS in both turfgrass leaves and roots. A more limited irrigation rate at 60 % ETo resulted in a higher accumulation of CBZ accumulation compared to 80 % ETo. Similarly, the canopy temperature increased under 60 % ETo irrigation rate compared to 80 % ETo, suggesting that turfgrass under 60 % ETo was more prone to water stress. Applying a 60 % ETo irrigation rate was not sufficient to maintain the turfgrass quality in the acceptable range. A negative correlation between the visual quality and cumulative mass of PPCPs in turfgrass leaves at different irrigation rates was observed, yet irrigation rate was the major driver of turfgrass overall quality and health. Insights from this study will help to integrate recycled water with treatment and limited irrigation, thereby enhancing agricultural water reuse practices.

Enhancing Tomato Production by Using Non-Conventional Water Resources within Integrated Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Arid Regions

This research evaluated the importance of establishing an integrated sprinkler irrigation design connected to fish farm ponds in order to achieve environmental and financial benefits. To achieve the aim of the study, two field experiments were conducted at a private farm in the Nubaria area of Beheira Governorate during the 2022 and 2023 seasons to quantify all the benefits from using fish water effluent (FWE) in irrigation. The obtained results indicated that the effluent could represent a good source of irrigation and bio-fertilization. The yield of tomato was higher when using FWE for irrigation compared with using groundwater for irrigation (IW). This was due to the additional amounts of dissolved bio-nitrogen along with other nutrients present in the FWE. The proportion of dissolved nitrogen added by using FWE was 22.3 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2022 and 24.6 kg nitrogen per hectare in 2023, in addition to some other major elements such as phosphorus and potassium, which are also among the main nutrients needed by crops. It has also been noticed that the fertility of the sandy soil increased with the use of FWE for irrigation. One of the most important results was the possibility of reducing the addition of nitrogen mineral fertilizers by 25%, thus saving on N fertilizers when growing tomato. In addition to the vitality of the FWE and its macro- and microelements, algae, microorganisms, and other organic materials, the use of this type of water as an alternative source for irrigation, along with the reduction in the amount of added mineral fertilizers, will reduce the degree of groundwater contamination with mineral fertilizers and increase the income of farmers. It was also observed that the air temperature decreased during the growing season when compared with the temperature of uncultivated surrounding areas.

Assessment of nitrate reductase activity and nitrogen content in foliar tissues of wheat variety PBW-343 under oil refinery effluent irrigation ​

Assessment of nitrate reductase activity and nitrogen content in foliar tissues of wheat variety PBW-343 under oil refinery effluent irrigation ​

Impact of Reeling Effluent Irrigation on Growth and Yield of V1 Mulberry Variety

A field experiment was conducted during 2022-2023 at Department of Sericulture, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru to study the growth and development of mulberry when irrigated with various proportions of reeling effluent and borewell water along with recommended doses of NPK and FYM. Five treatments were laid out in RCBD with four replications. Among all the treatments application of 100 per cent reeling effluent for irrigation to mulberry plant has recorded the highest growth parameters on 30, 45 and 60 DAP, viz., number of shoots (20.25, 23.65 and 28.05 No.), mean shoot length (49.74, 109.32 and 137.32 cm), plant height (138.23, 197.47 and 225.47 cm), internodal distance (5.01, 5.49 and 5.73 cm), number of leaves (185.80, 424.40 and 542.90 No.), leaf area (105.21, 204.33 and 219.33 cm2) and leaf yield (940.94 g/plant and 58.07 tonnes/ha/yr on 60 DAP, respectively) compare to control. An overview of the study revealed that 100 per cent reeling effluent has significantly improved the growth and yield parameters of mulberry.

Assessment and cost analysis of mycoremediated textile effluent for irrigation

AbstractIn the current study, mycoremediated textile effluents were used for irrigation in a cultivation system to promote resource recycling and cost‐effective spinach production. The raw textile effluents from two different textile mills were decolorized by 93.2 and 94.5%, respectively, as well as mineralized by the immobilized novel fungus Geotrichum candidum. Subsequently, both the treated effluents, treated textile effluent 1 (TTE1) and treated textile effluent 2 (TTE2), were used to cultivate spinach. The results indicated that irrigation with TTE1 and TTE2 resulted in ~9% higher spinach yields compared with the control. Moreover, the water use efficiency with the TTE1 and TTE2 treatments was ~1.2 times better than that with the control. The need for fertilizers in the case of spinach cultivation with treated effluents was compensated by the textile effluents as a result of the breakdown and mineralization of the effluent by immobilized G. candidum. Notably, the energy content, dietary fiber and protein content of spinach irrigated with mycoremediated textile effluent were substantially elevated, with values of 34 kcal/100 g−1, 3.4 g 100 g−1 and 6.92 g 100 g−1, respectively. The preliminary cost analysis indicated that the costs of the whole process (from treatment to irrigation) were approximately US$0.35‐0.38 m−3 (INR 28.22–30.45 m−3) of textile effluent. The study concluded that the mycoremediated textile effluent could be efficiently applied for agronomic usages.

Effect of paper mill effluent irrigation and compost application on soil nutrients and yield of groundnut

Effect of paper mill effluent irrigation and compost application on soil nutrients and yield of groundnut

Impact of silk reeling effluent irrigation on soil physical and chemical properties in mulberry garden

Impact of silk reeling effluent irrigation on soil physical and chemical properties in mulberry garden

Bacteriovory of enteric bacteria by soil isolated amoeba depends on both temperature and salinity

Recycling of wastewater for agricultural irrigation is an important means for sustainable reuse practices, but a major concern of such practice is the introduction of pathogens and antibiotic determinants. Previous attempts to mitigate contaminants focused on water treatment, yet the growing appreciation of the soil microbial food web brings into focus its potential to mitigate pathogens introduced by recycled effluent. We hypothesized that effluent-introduced bacteria serve as prey to soil-free living amoeba (FLA), but predation is interfered with by environmental conditions such as temperature and/or salinity. To test our hypothesis, we first demonstrated that an enteric bacterium model, Escherichia coli, is preyed on by soil FLA. We then isolated 12 FLA from three soil types (loamy-sand, loam, and clay) and followed the predation dynamics in three prey types: E. coli, Serratia marsescens, and Enterococcus mundtii. Predation was simulated in an unstructured environment at various temperatures (20, 25, 30 °C), mimicking changing climatic conditions and salinities (2, 10, 30 mM NaCl), mimicking the relative ionic strength and conductivity applied by irrigation effluent. We found that the predation efficiency of the amoeba strains increased significantly increased (p < 0.01) at both low temperature (20 °C) and high salinity (30 mM NaCl) regardless of the types of prey. We suggest that increased salinity applied by effluent irrigation may benefit micropredators, while high temperatures may increase resistance to predation. Our results demonstrate the importance of understanding the effects of environmental conditions on soil trophic interactions and their potential benefits for agricultural practices.

Impact of Industrial Effluent on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil in Unnao District of Uttar Pradesh, India

A study was carried out during 2021-22 considering various vegetable growing farmers in Unnao District (U.P.) to find out the effect of using industrial effluents as the only source of irrigation to their crops. 250 surface soil samples collected from farmer’s field were analyzed for physical as well as chemical parameters. The physical properties of soils improved due to industrial effluent irrigation. Among the physical properties bulk density ranged from 1.15 to 1.55 Mg m-3 and particle density ranged between 2.61 to 2.86 Mg m-3. Chemical Parameters of soil such as pH , EC, OC, Available N, P &amp;K were also analyzed and the results indicated that soils had a mean pH of 8.1, E.C. of 1.25 dSm-1, O.C. of 0.756 %, available nitrogen ranged from 377 – 1035 kg ha-1 with mean of 658.26 kg ha-1.The Phosphorus availability was found ranging from 20.5 – 48.80 kg ha-1 with a mean of 35.97 kg ha-1, while Potassium was found with a mean of 204.12 kg ha-1 in range of 163 – 302.2 kg ha-1.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic Analysis of Tomato Irrigated with fish farms water; at URERMS-ADRAR. Algeria

The objective of the developed system is to encourage efficient water management practices that optimize the usage of water by keeping crop health and yield intact through the implementation of an automated irrigation system. The study aimed to determine the impact of irrigation by fish farming on growth rates and concentrations of macro- and micronutrients in tomatoes. Results indicated that irrigation with fish farm effluent significantly increased and effluent water, depending on its composition to feed the fish, can supply nutrients and increase the concentrations of these elements in tomatoes irrigated with this water with a refractive index = 1.3391 and a calorie value of 19.927 Calorie in the first sampling and 16.696 calories in the second sampling for 100 g for the year 2021 and for the year 2022 we have a refractive index = 1.3495 and a calorie value of 20.66 Calorie for 100 g. Here we show for the first time that is more than the standard norm (Cotte.2000) which is 18 Calories. Also, after carrying out microbiological analyzes, there is a total absence of pathogenic bacteria, as well as the organoleptic parameters are heading in the right direction where tomatoes irrigated by fish farming water is concentrated compared to the tomatoes irrigated by normal fresh water with Light red of 53 %, Cooked acid of 47 %, spherical form of 94 % and a pleasant smell of 88 %. Therefore, using fish farm effluent in irrigation provides water requirements for plants and also can improve the availability of nutrient elements for tomatoes.

Numerical modeling of groundwater flow and nitrate transport in karst and wastewater irrigated agricultural and forest landscapes, PA, USA

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation on nitrate groundwater contamination in karstic landscape is critical for developing long‐term management plans and assessing the sustainability of these practices. The Pennsylvania State University has been operating a secondary treated wastewater effluent irrigation site—the “Living Filter”—since the 1960s. The objective of this study is to develop a regional groundwater flow and nitrate transport model to assess the impact of treated wastewater and disposal of large volumes of wastewater for irrigation of agricultural and forested lands on nitrate groundwater contamination in a karst landscape in the Spring Creek Watershed in central Pennsylvania. The modular three‐dimensional finite‐difference ground‐water flow model (MODFLOW) was used to construct the groundwater flow model of the local aquifer and simulate three‐dimensional regional changes in the water table over time. The simulation of nitrate fate and transport in the aquifer was conducted by developing a groundwater mass transport model using MODFLOW and a modular three‐dimensional transport multi‐species model (MT3DMS). The calibrated groundwater model yielded a root mean square error of 5.41 ft for the area of irrigation and 24.67 ft for the entire modeled area. Results of the calibrated model show the extension of a nitrate plume over most of the study area with concentrations below 10 mg·L−1 under the current 2015 setting and the long‐term 2035 scenario of increased irrigation rates. The nitrate migration was dominated by the presence of two high conductivity groundwater troughs adjacent to the study area resulting in a near steady‐state total mass since the 1990s.

Domestic sewage wastewater irrigation in the semi‐urban ecosystem on soil physical–chemical properties and environmental food security perspectives of two vegetables

AbstractNowadays, using domestic sewage wastewater for agricultural irrigation is becoming increasingly important for sustainable water resources management. Several national and international programs have been implemented to mitigate wastewater. However, it is important to ensure that these measures are affordable, effective, and sustainable. The aim of the present study is to determine, after all these mitigations, whether these domestic sewage wastewaters can be used as a potential irrigation source and at the same time ensure environmental food security. With these objectives, we analyzed the consequences of domestic sewage effluent irrigation on soil physical–chemical properties and nutritive and nutraceutical properties of cultivated green vegetables, Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. and Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., in the semi‐urban ecosystem compared with well water irrigated crops in a rural area. The quality status of both well water irrigated and domestic sewage wastewater irrigated soil samples showed similar and/or comparable values, that is, domestic sewage wastewater irrigation does not harm the soil quality and both were comparable with the permissible limits of BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) including heavy metal contents. And positively supporting the objective of our study, the nutrient status/proximate composition of both the vegetables in terms of protein, gross energy, carbohydrate, etc., were higher in domestic sewage wastewater irrigated crops compared with the well water irrigated crops. The antioxidant activity also exhibited a significant increase in the sewage wastewater irrigated crops rather than the well water irrigated ones. Hence the results of the present study state that due to the impact of the mitigation measures, domestic sewage wastewater is now pertinent to be used as an irrigation source and also a possible organic fertilizer without any ambiguity. Moreover, more field‐oriented studies may ensure the potential of wastewater irrigation for sustainable crop production without any pollution, particularly in a semi‐urban area.

Impact of Paper Mill Effluent on Groundnut Root Nodulation and Soil Microorganisms for Inclusion of Compost

A Field experiment was conducted at Mondippatti village in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu to study the effect of paper mill effluent irrigation with or without compost application on root growth, biological properties and soil nutrient status in Alfisol with groundnut as the test crop. The results revealed that the application of paper mill effluent along with compost favourably increased the soil nutrient status during the crop period. The highest concentrations of available nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron and zinc in the surface layer were 309.4 kg/ha, 14.2 kg/ha, 211.9 kg/ha, 64.9 meq/100g, 32.5 meq/100g, 38.8 mg/kg,11.4 mg/kg and 0.8 mg/kg, respectively in 75% paper mill effluent and press mud compost applications. Similarly, the use of paper mill effluent along with compost has a positive impact on soil microbial properties and highest population of bacteria was observed in 50% paper mill effluent and press mud application was 9.79 CFU (x106/g) followed by 100% paper mill effluent and press mud application (7.63 CFU (x106/g). While fungi and actinomycetes populations are higher in 75% paper mill effluent and farm yard manure application which were 5.64 CFU (x104/g) and 5.62 CFU (x104/g) respectively. The highest number of nodules was noticed in 100% paper mill effluent with press mud at 5 t/ha (45 numbers) followed by 75% paper mill effluent with press mud at 5 t/ha (42 numbers). From the study, it was concluded that the application of paper mill effluent with compost was found to be a promising source for soil fertility and root growth in groundnut.

Storage, Transport, and Fate of Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) in a Wastewater Reuse and Groundwater Recharge System

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a group of synthetic compounds associated with adverse human health impacts, are commonly found in effluent discharged from wastewater treatment facilities. When that effluent is used for irrigation, the fate of PFAAs depends strongly on soil PFAA retention properties and effluent PFAA loading history. The relative importance of PFAA retention factors under natural field‐scale conditions remains uncertain, and the historical record of effluent PFAA concentrations is limited. Using soil cores collected from the Penn State Living Filter (irrigated with treated wastewater effluent for nearly 60 years), we evaluated PFAA mass balance in the irrigated soils and estimated historical effluent PFAA concentrations. Total accumulated perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) masses measured in soils in 2014 were more than 450 times greater than annual mass loads applied during the 2020 effluent irrigation. Column mass balance models reproduced the observed PFOS and PFOA profiles, providing an estimate of historical effluent PFOS and PFOA concentrations: 70–170 ng L−1 and 1,000–1,300 ng L−1, respectively. Estimated concentrations were comparable to measurements in other wastewater effluents in the 1990s and 2000s, indicating that wastewater‐irrigated soils can serve as integrated records of historical PFAA loading to the environment. Mass balance calculations suggest that PFOS breakthrough to groundwater occurred 50 years after the start of wastewater irrigation, whereas simulated PFOA breakthrough occurred after only 10 years of irrigation. While wastewater irrigation of soils facilitates retention and reduces effluent PFAA loading to surface waters, resulting PFAA storage in soils potentially creates long‐term sources of PFAAs to groundwater.

Socioeconomic, environmental, and health impacts of reusing treated wastewater in agriculture in some Arab countries, including occupied Palestine, in view of climate change

The increase in water stress and shortage, facing many countries around the world, is one of the main difficulties confronting practical progress and sustainable development and management. Accordingly, managing the water assets of many countries around the world is nowadays a big challenge due to immense difficulties and vulnerabilities, including rapid industrialization and urbanization processes, population growth, geopolitical instability, and the effects of environmental changes, namely global warming and climate change. Because of global fresh waters scarcity and shortage, the demand for using non-conventional water resources, such as reusing treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes, has become a nessitiy. However, the reuse of effluents for agricultural irrigation can have negative impacts on crop quality and soil conditions, as well as on public health and the environment. Moreover, improper management of agricultural irrigation with treated wastewater can also cause problems for plant production and soils’ physical and chemical propeties. This paper investigates the status of freshwater and wastewater in view of climate change, and socioeconomic, environmental, and health impacts of reusing treated wastewater for irrigation in the Arab region, with the focus on the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), as an example. The paper concludes that: 1) Approximately 13.2 billion cubic meters (BCM) of wastewater is yearly produced in the Arab countries, of which 5.7 BCM (43.2%) is treated and 7.5 MCM (56.8%) is untreated and dumped in open environments; 2) Regarding the OPT, where more than 87% of its fresh water resources are controlled and forcefully taken by the Israeli occupation authorities, Palestinians discharge large amounts of untreated wastewater into open lands (as in the case of the occupied West Bank) and in the Mediterranean Sea (as in the case of occupied and besieged Gaza Strip); and 3) The reused portion of treated wastewater in the OPT is close to zero.

Response of heavy-metal and antibiotic resistance genes and their related microbe in rice paddy irrigated with treated municipal wastewaters

Paddy irrigation with secondary effluents from municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWTPs) is a well-established practice to alleviate water scarcity. However, the reuse might lead to more complicated contamination caused by interactions between residual antibiotics in effluents and heavy metals in paddy soil. To date, no information is available for the potential effects of dual stress of heavy metals and antibiotics on heavy-metal resistance genes (MRGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Here, this study investigated the response of heavy metal and antibiotic resistance genes, and related microorganisms to the dual threat of antibiotics and heavy metals under the long-term MWTP effluent irrigation for rice paddy using metagenome. The results showed that there was not a negative effect on rice consumption if MWTP effluent was used to irrigate rice for a long time. The concentration of antibiotics could reshape the ARGs and MRG profiles in rice paddy soil. The findings revealed the co-occurrence of ARGs and MRGs in rice paddy soils, thus highlighting the need for simultaneous elimination of antibiotics and heavy metals to effectively reduce ARGs and MRGs. Acn and sul1 genes encoding Iron and sulfonamides resistance mechanisms are the most abundant MRG and ARG, respectively. Network analysis revealed the possibility that IntI1 plays a role in the co-transmission of MRG and ARG to host microbes, and that Proteobacteria are the most dominant hosts for MRG, ARG, and integrons. The presence of antibiotics in irrigated MWTP effluents has been found to stimulate the proliferation of heavy metal and antibiotic resistances by altering soil microbial communities. This study will enhance our comprehension of the co-selection between ARGs and MRGs, as well as reveal the concealed environmental impacts of combined pollution. The obtained results have important implications for food safety and human health in rice.

The effect of application of effluent water on sage (Salvia officinalis L.) yield and quality in lysimeters

ABSTRACT Cultivation of medicinal plants with the irrigation of agricultural effluents might be of great importance to save fresh water resources, extend cultivation area and increase economic feasibility. We investigated the effects of saline fish farm effluent water, diluted and gypsum-supplemented effluent, and natural freshwater as a control irrigation in lysimeters. Beside plant growth parameters, macronutrient and sodium content and the amount and composition of essential oil of sage plants were measured. Significant differences among irrigation treatments were found in plant height, SPAD value and essential oil content. Seasonal variation was also observed on plant height, nutrient content of the leaves and the total essential oil content. The essential oil components characterised by the highest levels of availability were detected as α-thujone, camphor, ß-thujone, 1,8-cineol and ledol. Under effluent irrigation, the concentrations of - and ß-thujone increased slightly; only camphene, trans-sabinole and caryophyllene-oxide changed significantly. The other main components remained stable. Our analysis of the response of sage to the input of effluent provides a reasonable ground for recommending the utilisation of saline effluent water from intensive fish farming in sage production, thus preventing the wastage of valuable water resources.

Life cycle assessment, a decision-making tool in wastewater treatment systems: a case study wastewater treatment plant of Ahvaz, Iran

The evaluation of environmental implications associated with wastewater treatment plants and developing strategies for reusing wastewater with minimal harm to the environment and human communities is critical. This study investigates the environmental impacts of Ahvaz’s wastewater treatment plant using life cycle assessment, employing SimaPro®9.0.0 software for two scenarios. The first scenario represents the current state of the plant, while the second considers reusing treated effluent in farms. This examination can lead to modifications within existing systems or selection of the best alternative treatment option, ultimately reducing potential environmental impacts. The CML2001 method identified human toxicity and global warming (4.29 × 1013 and 3.67 × 1013, respectively), while the EcoIndicator99 method indicated ecotoxicity and carcinogens (5.2 × 10−13 and 2.82 × 10−13, respectively) as the highest contributors to negative environmental impact per 1 m3 treated effluent. The results demonstrate that although using treated sludge and effluent in agriculture conserves a significant amount of water, phosphorus, and nitrogen, it caused significant adverse impacts due to heavy metals present in the effluent and sludge. Additionally, the methane produced by sludge treatment, digestion, and disposal processes had the most harmful impact on global warming (0.577 (65%) in the CML2001 method). Comparing the two scenarios demonstrates that reusing effluent in farm irrigation is a more environmentally friendly technique, particularly in terms of eutrophication.

Biosand reactors for remediation of winery effluent in support of a circular economy and the positive effect of sand fractionation on hydraulic and operational performance

There is an extensive body of knowledge pertaining to the treatment of winery wastewater and other acidic effluents in biosand reactors. This manuscript compares the performance of biosand reactors containing raw sand and fractionated sand. Fractionation of sand (particles <0.425 mm removed) increased the hydraulic conductivity of the sand matrix 9-fold when compared to raw sand: from 0.285 mm·s−1 to 2.50 mm·s−1 and 0.129 mm·s−1 to 1.11 mm mm·s−1 before and after start-up, respectively. Similar results for both sands were obtained in terms of organic removal performance (94 % and 95 %, respectively) and neutralization of acidic (pH 4.9) winery wastewater. Results indicate that one 5.6 m3 biosand reactor module containing 2.9 m3 of fractionated sand can theoretically treat 8102 L·d−1, which is the approximate volume generated from wineries crushing 329 to 547 t of grapes per annum. This is notably higher than the design flow rate of 1000 L·d−1 in used in a pilot system containing raw sand. Furthermore, a zero-waste biosand reactor model is presented for treatment of winery wastewater. The strategy includes reuse of treated effluent for irrigation, anaerobic digestion of primary winery wastewater sludge and use of the digestate as an agricultural fertilizer, and re-purposing of the residual sand.