Wastewater Irrigation Research Articles

Toxicity of the emerging pollutants propylparaben and dichloropropylparaben to terrestrial plants.

Propylparaben (PrP) and dichloropropylparaben (diClPrP) are found in soil worldwide, mainly due to the incorporation of urban sludge in crop soils and the use of non-raw wastewater for irrigation. Studies on the adverse effects of PrP on plants are incipient and not found for diClPrP. PrP and diClPrP were evaluated at concentrations 4, 40, and 400µg/L for their phytotoxic potential to seeds of Allium cepa (onion), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Lycopersicum sculentum (tomato), and Lactuca sativa (lettuce), and cytotoxic, genotoxic potential, and for generating oxygen-reactive substances in root meristems of A. cepa bulbs. PrP and diClPrP caused a significant reduction in seed root elongation in all four species. In A. cepa bulb roots, PrP and diClPrP resulted in a high prophase index; in addition, PrP at 400µg/L and diClPrP at the three concentrations significantly decreased cell proliferation and caused alterations in a significant number of cells. Furthermore, diClPrP concentrations induced the development of hooked roots in onion bulbs. The two chemical compounds caused significant changes in the modulation of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase, disarming the root meristems against hydroxyl radicals and superoxides. Therefore, PrP and diClPrP were phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic to the species tested, proving dangerous to plants.

Life Cycle Assessment of Green Space Irrigation Using Treated Wastewater: A Case Study

Water scarcity is a pressing issue that makes it essential to manage this resource efficiently and sustainably. One solution to combat this issue is the use of treated wastewater (TWW) to irrigate green spaces in cities. However, it is crucial to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with this practice. To this end, life cycle assessment (LCA) is the most advanced tool available. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental implications of using TWW for lawn irrigation in the city of Viseu. The ReCiPe 2016 method, supported by SimaPro software, was employed for life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). An attributional approach was used, and the system boundaries were expanded to include the non-discharge of TWW into the receiving environment, the avoided consumption of domestic water, and the avoided consumption of chemical fertilizers. The results revealed that using TWW for lawn irrigation is preferable in terms of human health and ecosystem damage but unfavorable in terms of resource damage. When considering the impact of water consumption on human health and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it is recommended to use treated wastewater for lawn irrigation.

Effects of Rice Mill Wastewater on Cocoon Production and Total Population of Earthworm, Eisenia Fetida (Savigny 1826) under Laboratory Condition

Water scarcity can be overcome through the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation especially in arid and semiarid regions. However, there are several potential environmental and health risks associated with this practices. Improved plant growth and nutrients for microorganisms are also gotten from wastewater which has high nutritive value. This study investigated the effect of rice mill waste water on cocoon production and total population of earthworm Eisenia fetida under laboratory conditions. A total of five hundred (500) clitella earthworms were used for this study. The physico-chemical parameters of the rice mill wastewater were analyzed using standard methods of APHA-AWWA-WEF (2000). The study on the cocoon production and total population of E. fetida were conducted from 0 to 100% wastewater (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) by serial dilution for a period of 60 days to assess the suitability of rice mill wastewater for irrigational purpose. The significant difference between treatments was tested by one-way ANOVA. The wastewater had an alkaline pH (8.5), low sulphate (0.95 mg/l), DO (3.10mg/l) and COD (2.0mg/l); moderate concentration of TDS (421mg/l), calcium (47.7 mg/l), phosphate(102.27 mg/l) and high concentration of conductivity (20.50 dsm-1), total solid (2550mg/l), total dissolved solids (2028 mg/l), total hardness (100 mg/l) and sodium (25.0 mg/l), earth population(53.2) At 50% of the wastewater usage there was a significant increase in cocoon production (24.24). On the basis of this research, it shows that rice mill wastewater should be either diluted to at least 50% or treated to make it suitable for irrigational purpose.

Comparative High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis of the Bacterial Community Associated with the Rhizosphere of Date Palm (Phoenix dactyllifera L.) Irrigated with Treated Wastewater and Groundwater

Water scarcity is a major agricultural issue in most arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Alternative water supplies, such as the reuse of wastewater for agricultural irrigation, have been introduced. However, little is known about their impact on the soil and rhizosphere microbiomes that receive irrigation. Therefore, this work evaluates the impact of treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation on the soil and rhizosphere bacterial communities of date palms in Al Madinah, Saudi Arabia. In this study, metagenomic DNA from the rhizosphere of the date palm was sequenced using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. According to the observed OTUs, Chao1 richness estimations, and Shannon diversity values, soils from groundwater-irrigated date palms showed higher microbial diversity than did soils from TWW-irrigated date palms. A total of 569 OTUs were generated; most of them (97.3%) were assigned into 15 different phyla, whereas 2.7% were marked as unclassified. DNA sequence analysis of the WWT-irrigated rhizosphere showed that the most abundant phyla were Firmicutes (43.6%), Bacteroidetes (17.3%), Proteobacteria (15.2%), and Actinobacteria (14.6%), representing more than 90.7% of the total community, while the soil of the rhizosphere irrigated with GW was dominated by Actinobacteria (44.1%), Proteobacteria (23.4%), Firmicutes (15.5%), and Gemmatimonadetes (4.9%). The most frequently observed species in the two soils were also different. The dominant species in TWW-irrigated soil was Planococcus plakortidis, which is prevalent in saline and moderately saline habitats and can play an important ecological role. The GW-irrigated rhizosphere exhibited higher levels of biocontrol bacteria, particularly Nocardioides mesophilus. These results provide a comprehensive understanding and insights into the population dynamics and microbiome of date palm rhizosphere. The findings show that the irrigation water quality has a significant impact on the microbiome composition. Identifying the microbial diversity is the first step toward determining the best way to use TWW in irrigation.

Incidence of diarrhea and risk factors among wastewater-irrigating urban farmers along Akaki Rivers in Addis Ababa

ABSTRACT The importance of diarrhea risk associated with wastewater exposure in agriculture is almost unknown. This study aimed to examine diarrheal infection and risk factors among farmers using wastewater for irrigation in Addis Ababa. A cross-sectional study was employed among 380 farmers (190 exposed and 190 unexposed farmers). Among these, a cohort of 200 adults (100 wastewater-exposed, 100 unexposed farmers) aged 25–69 years were selected and followed up biweekly for two successive vegetables growing seasons to examine the incidence of diarrhea. The incidence rate of reported diarrhea was 12 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks at risk and a maximum of 17 episodes per 1,000 person-weeks at risk. Strongly associated risk factors include washing body and clothes with wastewater [AOR: 4.2, 95%CI (1, 11.2)], using working clothes at home [AOR: 4.7, 95%CI (0.25, 87)], and wearing protective cloth [AOR: 5.6, 95 CI (0.3, 70)]. Moreover, hand washing after work, washing feet and boots, and on-site hand washing were significant determinants of farmers’ diarrhea. Exposure to wastewater significantly contributes to the risk of diarrhea among adults. Significant determinants of diarrhea among farmers include washing the body and clothes with irrigation water, contamination with soil and irrigation water, and on-site hand washing. Increased risk factors include hand contamination, washing vegetables with irrigation water, eating raw vegetables, and using work clothes at home.

Quantitative and qualitative management of water resources with the use of treated wastewater in agriculture.

The principled utilization of treated wastewater can reduce the pollution load on the environment. Because on the one hand, treated wastewater can be a suitable fertilizer substitute, and on the other hand, using treated wastewater in irrigation prevents the discharge of polluted surface water into water sources. In the south of Tehran province, polluted surface water is used for irrigation in the agricultural sector, and this has led to environmental problems. To solve this problem, it has been decided to implement a plan to build surface water treatment plants and an irrigation and drainage network to transfer treated wastewater to farms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the economic and environmental effects of this project in the region. A hydro-economic model has been used to achieve this goal. According to the results, in the case of the application of environmental constraints in the optimization model, the cultivation area and the farmers' profit will be reduced by about 5% and 36%, respectively, compared with the noncompliance of environmental constraints. However, this decline in profit can be compensated by adopting solutions such as improving the irrigation system, the application of treated wastewater, or using the fertilizer potential of water sources in the agricultural sector. PRACTITIONER POINTS: In the optimal economic-environmental situation, farmers' profit is reduced compared with the optimal economic situation. In the case of implementing the treated wastewater application, the farmers' profit will increase despite environmental constraints. In the optimal economic-environmental situation, fewer lands are cultivated with diverse crops than in optimal economic conditions.

A Collaborative Approach for Metal Pollution Assessment in Production System of Plastic-Shed Vegetables Near Industrial Areas.

A collaborative assessment approach, including impact index of comprehensive quality (IICQ), food pollution index (FPI), and single factor pollution index (PI), was used to simultaneously select priority metal pollutants and assess metal contamination status in the plastic-shed soil (PSS)-vegetable system of the industrial towns situated in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Overall, significant Cr increment as well as Cd and Cu pollution in PSS existed, which was related to anthropogenic activities, especially industrial wastewater irrigation. The evaluation using PI and FPI demonstrated that priority metal pollutants were Cu and Cd in PSS while Cr and Cd in vegetables. Additionally, the estimation using IICQ method revealed that 23.3% and 13.3% of the sampling sites were sub-moderately and heavily contaminated by metals, respectively. These sites especially with heavy pollution need priority pollution management. These data will be beneficial to metal pollution control in PSS-vegetable system around industrial areas.

Prospecting toxicity of the avobenzone sunscreen in plants.

Avobenzone (AVO) is a sunscreen with high global production and is constantly released into the environment. Incorporating sewage biosolids for fertilization purposes, the leaching from cultivated soils, and the use of wastewater for irrigation explain its presence in the soil. There is a lack of information about the impact of this sunscreen on plants. In the present study, the ecotoxicity of AVO was tested at concentrations 1, 10, 100, and 1,000ng/L. All concentrations caused a reduction in root growth of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativus, and Lycopersicum esculentum seeds, as well as a mitodepressive effect, changes in the mitotic spindle and a reduction in root growth of A. cepa bulbs. The cell cycle was disturbed because AVO disarmed the enzymatic defense system of root meristems, leading to an accumulation of hydroxyl radicals and superoxides, besides lipid peroxidation in cells. Therefore, AVO shows a high potential to cause damage to plants and can negatively affect agricultural production and the growth of non-cultivated plants.

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.

Characterization of physicochemical and bacteriological properties of Harar Brewery wastewater and its suitability for irrigation

The brewery industry is known for consuming a significant amount of water during beer production and releasing large quantities of wastewater into the environment. The Harar Brewery factory generates a substantial amount of wastewater, which is utilized for irrigation. However, there have been no comprehensive scientific studies assessing the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the wastewater in relation to its suitability for irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the wastewater to determine its suitability for irrigation. The analytical procedures were conducted following the APHA procedure and the results were compared with national and international standards. Various parameters were investigated, including, temperature (25.01 °C), TDS (848.88 mg/L), TSS (256.67 mg/L), TS (1107.92 mg/L), pH (8.06), EC (1253.42 µS/cm), DO (3.96 mg/L), COD (628.34 mg/L), BOD5 (12.29 mg/L), PO43—P (0.29 mg/L), NH3N (0.65 mg/L), NO3—N (1.52 mg/L), NO2−-N, TN (2.26 mg/L), Mn (0.04 mg/L), Zn (0.03 mg/L), Fe (0.27 mg/L), Cu (0.09 mg/L), Ca (0.51 mg/L), Mg (1.12 mg/L), Na (6.59 mg/L), K (0.68 mg/L), E. coli (4491.67) and TC (14,279.17 CFU/100 mL). Most of the physicochemical parameters and coliform counts met national and international standards. However, EC, TS, TSS, BOD, and COD exceeded Ethiopian standards and international limits. Despite this, farmers continued to use the wastewater for irrigation, potentially leading to long-term adverse effects on both life and the environment. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of implementing advanced treatments to ensure that brewery wastewater meets specific parameters for irrigation suitability.

Biofertilizer development for wheat growth improvement under drought stress and treated wastewater irrigation

Biofertilizer development for wheat growth improvement under drought stress and treated wastewater irrigation

Impact of Drip Irrigation with Recycled Wastewater on Aromatic Compound Composition in Capia Pepper (Capsicum annum L.)

In recent years, treating and reusing polluted water for agricultural irrigation has become essential to ensuring water and food sustainability. In addition to the factors affecting human health in vegetables and fruits irrigated with treated wastewater, factors affecting consumer preferences, such as flavor and phenolic compounds, should also be examined. This study investigates the effect of treated wastewater irrigation on the aromatic compounds and phenolic composition of capia pepper, which holds a significant position and is extensively used in various food products in the food industry. Drip irrigation with treated and untreated wastewater from the Kalecik Wastewater Treatment Plant was applied to two pepper varieties in the Kalecik district of Ankara, Türkiye. This research found that wastewater irrigation impacted certain aroma components, including para-dichlorobenzene, alpha-cubebene, hexanoate, alpha-farnesene, limonene, isoamyl butyrate, squalene, and alpha-copaene, which contribute to the distinct aroma and fragrance of capia peppers. Total phenolic content, pH, and soluble solids were found to be high in peppers irrigated with wastewater, and it was observed that these parameters increased as the treatment levels of the wastewater decreased. The highest results were obtained in capia peppers irrigated with wastewater. Results indicate that heavy metal levels in peppers align with permissible limits, confirming the usability of both water sources. In the face of global water scarcity and the challenge of feeding an ever-growing population, studies like this offer valuable insights into sustainable and well-informed agricultural practices.

Evaluation of Water Quality and Sustainability of Treated Wastewater for Irrigation and the Municipal Uses in Karbala Province

This study was conducted to assess the quality of treated wastewater from the wastewater treatment project in Karbala. and its reuse for irrigation and municipal by Canadian Water Quality Index (CWQI). Samples were collected periodically with three replications from (Dec. 2021 –Jul.2022). The results showed that the water was characterized by high salinity, TDS, TSS, total hardness, EC, and turbidity, which were recorded at 2039 -3739 mg/l; 1030-2640; 30-48 mg.L-1. 3740 -2040 µs/cm and 3.17 -8.5 NTU respectively, major cations and anions (Cl-, PO4-3, NO3-, S2O4-2 and K+) exceed significantly to (57-380; 0.003-4.99; 8.63-44.25; 453-1340; 4.537) mg. L-1, sodicity index (SAR, Na+ and Sodium percentage ratio) and magnesium hazard, were detected 0.59 – 4.89; 138-447.5 12.98-43.76), Water can be classed depending on that as a permit to good. However, it’s categorized as marginal-fair according to the CCME Water quality index, especially in the far station from the plant water. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed depending on its effect on the value of the index, where the first group PCA1 recorded the largest proportion (35.26%) and includes dissolved solids, EC, salinity, Na, SAR, Na%, alkalinity, SO4, pH, DO, BOD5 Mg risk of magnesium. The second group, PCA2, with the lowest percentage (18.78%), was represented by temperature, Ca+2, total hardness, K, Cl, PO4, NO3, TSS, and turbidity. This water is a wealth that can be exploited in the cultivation of the desert adjacent to Karbala governorate, and by adopting different methods to reduce the effect of salinity.

Contribution of wastewater irrigated vegetables to the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection among female farmers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundUntreated or inadequately treated wastewater carrying human feces can host helminth eggs and larvae, contaminating the soil and plants that are irrigated with it. In Addis Ababa, farmers use untreated wastewater to grow vegetables; however, there are little data currently available published on vegetables' contribution to the prevalence of helminth among female farmers along the Akaki River, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa City in February 2022. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample farming households. The sample size for each district was determined by a proportional allocation to the total number of households in the area. Two hundred and fifty-two composite vegetable samples and 101 farmers’ stool samples were collected and analyzed for helminth prevalence. Data on socio-demographics were collected by trained data collators using a structured questionnaire. Kato-Katz concentration was used to detect STH from a stool sample. Stata version 14.0 was used to process the data. Poisson regression was used to identify the association between STH prevalence in the vegetable and the farm's stool.ResultsHelminths were found in 67.5% of vegetables sampled and 20.8% of female farmers' stools. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs (vegetable 48.4% and stool 9.9%) were identified in all analyzed samples. Hookworm eggs (vegetable 13.1% and stool 8.9%) and Trichuris trichiura eggs (vegetable 5.9% and stool 2%) were also isolated. The total number of helminth eggs present in wastewater-irrigated vegetables and female farmers’ stool had a positive association (p < 0.05) with a regression coefficient of 1.92 (95% CI = 1.56–2.28).ConclusionsThe study found a significant prevalence of helminth infections, particularly Ascaris lumbricoides, in stool and vegetable samples irrigated with wastewater. A clear association was found between vegetable production and a higher prevalence of helminth infections among female farmers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that farmers are educated in the importance of food washing and sanitation/hygiene practices when using wastewater irrigation for vegetable crops.Graphical

Accumulation and translocation of lead in vegetables through intensive use of organic manure and mineral fertilizers with wastewater

In many countries with wastewater irrigation and intensive use of fertilizers (minerals and organics), heavy metal deposition by crops is regarded as a major environmental concern. A study was conducted to determine the impact of mineral fertilizers, cow manure, poultry manure, leaf litter, and sugarcane bagasse on soil’s trace Pb content and edible parts of vegetables. It also evaluated the risk of lead (Pb) contamination in water, soil, and food crops. Six vegetables (Daucus carota, Brassica oleracea, Pisum sativum, Solanum tuberosum, Raphanus sativus, and Spinacia oleracea) were grown in the field under twelve treatments with different nutrient and water inputs. The lead concentrations in soil, vegetables for all treatments and water samples ranged from 1.038–10.478, 0.09346–9.0639 mg/kg and 0.036–0.26448 mg/L, The concentration of lead in soil treated with wastewater in treatment (T6) and vegetable samples was significantly higher, exceeding the WHO’s permitted limit. Mineral and organic fertilizers combined with wastewater treatment reduced lead (Pb) concentrations in vegetables compared to wastewater application without organic fertilizers. Health risk indexes for all treatments except wastewater treatment (T6) were less than one. Pb concentrations in mineral fertilizers, cow manure, poultry manure, leaf litter, and sugarcane bagasse treated were determined to pose no possible risk to consumers.

English

The issue of water scarcity in Pakistan is a significant challenge which is due to exacerbated population growth as well as increase in freshwater demand. The application of wastewater for irrigation, especially in semi-urban regions, can indeed be a practical solution due to its ready availability and affordability. While wastewater can serve as a valuable resource in water-scarce regions, its use must be carefully managed to minimize potential risks to plant health, soil fertility, and human well-being. A study was conducted aiming to assess the seasonal changes in physicochemical properties of irrigated wastewater and their influence on morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane plants were grown for consecutive two years in peri-urban agricultural areas near the water channels. Sugarcane plants were grown in two different fields and irrigation of the crop was done with wastewater and freshwater, respectively. Water (wastewater and freshwater) and plant samples were collected four times in a year in different seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) for two consecutive years (2016-2017). All the collected data had been subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for assessing the impact of seasonal variation on plant responses under the influence of irrigated wastewater. The findings from the study highlighted the complex relationship between wastewater irrigation and the physiological responses of sugarcane plants. The observed increase in antioxidant activities of wastewater irrigated plants compared to freshwater irrigated plants suggested that sugarcane may undergo biochemical adjustments to cope with the stress induced by the contaminants present in the wastewater. Moreover, the significant differences in plant mineral contents across different seasons were observed which indicated the dynamic nature of nutrient availability in the irrigation water and its impact on plant growth and development. We concluded that wastewater irrigation can affect the potential output of the agriculture sector by altering plant physiology which underscores the importance of considering the quality of irrigation water in agricultural practices. For future prospectives, the study can be extended to other crops to develop comprehensive strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Silver nanoparticles alleviate the impact of soil contamination and wastewater irrigation on rosemary plants: modulating of gene expression and secondary metabolites

A number of obstacles, including irrigated wastewater and soil contamination, arise in the growth of aromatic and medicinal plants. This study aimed to reduce the effects of contaminated soil and wastewater irrigation on rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plants by using biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced by the ginger (Zingiber officinale) plant extract. The AgNPs were characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR). The experimental design involved three distinct groups of plants: one group was irrigated with regular tap water, another group was rooted in soil contaminated by sewage-wastewater and irrigated with processed wastewater, and the final group consisted of plants grown in wastewater-contaminated soil, irrigated with processed wastewater, and sprayed with 200 mM l−1 AgNPs. The study also examined the impact of different treatments on gene expression and secondary metabolite levels in rosemary plants. According to HPLC investigations, nineteen phenol compounds and flavonoids were identified in a methanolic extract of rosemary that was grown in contaminated soil, irrigated with wastewater, and sprayed with AgNPs. Plants treated with wastewater and nanoparticles produced quantities of secondary compounds, including resvertol, vanillic acid, and gallic acid with 1.11, 0.15, and 0.01 mg g−1 respectively, which are all regarded as significant antioxidants employed in the pharmaceutical industry. Hexokinase synthase (HK), geranyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS), and linalool synthase (LS) coding genes were found to have highly expressed expressions when plants grown in contaminated soil, wastewater-irrigated plants, and nanoparticle-sprayed plants, respectively, at a 23.2- and 5.54-fold level, where the HK gene was 8.7 times more strongly expressed. Conversely, plants grown in contaminated soil and irrigated with treated wastewater showed downregulation of these genes. Conclusively, using silver nanoparticles significantly reduced the influence of wastewater pollution on secondary metabolites in rosemary plants, which was increased by the gene expression results and was completely consistent with HPLC analysis.

Assessment of the impact of irrigating with treated wastewater on soil and crop trace metal accumulation

ABSTRACT Water scarcity is growing quickly, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions along with the growing population. So, using treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation presents a sustainable approach, enhancing soil quality, increasing organic carbon levels, and improving crop productivity are achieved through this approach, concurrently reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Yet, escalating industrial effluent discharge raises concerns regarding trace metals in wastewater and associated health risks. Our study in the Tenth of Ramadan City focused on employing secondary treated mixed industrial and municipal wastewater for olives, mandarins, and guavas. Sampling wastewater, soil, and plant parts, we analyzed their properties and trace element concentrations, employing Visual MINTEQ for geochemical speciation. Adhering to the international guidelines, the wastewater exhibited acceptable pH and alkalinity but showed concerning trace element levels for irrigation. Differences in soil composition and trace element concentrations suggest potential contamination in soils irrigated with wastewater, raising concerns about health risks associated with elevated metal levels in plants. Variations in trace element concentrations in guavas, olives, and mandarins’ leaves and fruits were observed, with efficient translocation in olives, while mandarin and guava displayed reduced efficiency. Bioaccumulation Factor trends indicated species-specific metal uptake differences. Waste “Minimization Prioritization Tool categorized” trace element levels as of low concern. Daily Intake of Trace Metals and Health Risk Index highlighted the need for health risk assessment, especially for elevated Ni in mandarins and guavas. Regression findings emphasized soil factors influencing metal uptake in plants, highlighting the need for vigilant soil management to curb trace element contamination in agriculture, ensuring both food safety and environmental health. Therefore, water reuse adds contributes to sustainable development, which is three dimensions; Economic, Social and Environmental. It improves economics to utilize water that would be otherwise wasted, and by making water more productive. It improves the social dimension by addressing water scarcity and satisfying the increasing water demand for sustainable livelihoods. It also improves the environment by increasing wastewater treatment levels and reducing pollution.

Strategic water resource management: pump stations in Fayoum City, Egypt

Water scarcity presents significant challenges to sustainable development, particularly in arid regions like Fayoum City, Egypt, which faces particular water challenges due to its unique topography. This study explores the pivotal role of pump stations and wastewater reuse in mitigating water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management practices. Utilizing a comprehensive mixed-method approach, including desk research, field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) into a decision-making framework. The study categorizes pump stations into priority ranking groups based on the evaluation of the following criteria: efficiency, operating hours, working unit ratio, and discharge capacity. The investigation reveals that the 72 pump stations in Fayoum City play a vital role in regulating water levels, optimizing distribution, and facilitating the reuse of irrigation wastewater. Despite operational challenges, such as manpower shortages and maintenance issues, these stations are crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and addressing water scarcity concerns, including the prevention of recurring inundation events like the one in 2012. Moreover, the study underscores the potential of wastewater reuse as a sustainable solution to water scarcity, particularly in meeting agricultural water demands and mitigating water balance issues, such as inundation. Based on the findings, the study proposes actionable recommendations, including upgrading high-priority pump stations, evaluating lower-priority ones, enhancing canal infrastructure, and promoting water-efficient irrigation methods. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the pivotal role of pump stations and wastewater reuse in addressing water scarcity challenges in arid regions. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Fayoum City can optimize its water management practices, ensure water security, and support the long-term development of the region.

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant through wastewater irrigation

The present investigation focuses on the identification of popular PhACs in roots, leaves and rice grains, which are cultivated in soil irrigated with waters and wastewater. The present study reveals the presence of PhACs in rice grains from different brands which are available in the current market, which has thus motivated these experiments. The rice plants were cultivated in garden containers and irrigated with three different water sources. All PhAC compounds were recovered within an 89–111 % range using the extraction technique, reproducibility, and sensitivity (LOQ <25 µg/g). Further, PhAC compounds were identified using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QqTOF-MS). Interestingly, several PhAC compounds were detected in rice grains, aligning with hypotheses and findings from published literature. A total of ten (10) PhACs were found in the root, leaf, and rice grain of the 20 popular PhACs that were targeted. The annual exposure and medical dose equivalent for individual PhACs was negligible. According to our knowledge, this study is the first to show the accumulation of several categories (cocktail) of PhACs in rice grains and show the approximate human health risk assessment by its consumption. The study's results provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners working on sustainable agriculture and public health.