Assessing the impact of Treated Wastewater Irrigation: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Water scarcity is one of the biggest problems, the globe faces since millions of people lack access to clean drinking water. In nations where wastewater production is substantial, using wastewater for irrigation has become a valuable resource and a favored approach to alleviate water constraints. Agricultural irrigation is currently the world's largest consumer of treated wastewater, indicating significant future opportunities for water reuse in both developed and developing nations. Therefore, health risk assessments for WW irrigation are essential, especially for adults. The effects of wastewater irrigation on crops can be attributed to various factors, including wastewater features, crop type, plant species, ability to thrive in low-nutrient conditions, and susceptibility to environmental and climatic variations. Prolonged irrigation with treated wastewater can potentially degrade soil physicochemical properties while enhancing soil microbial activity. This review shows the risks associated with exposure to treated wastewater and offers a detailed analysis of the potential for reusing treated wastewater in agricultural practices.