Environmental transport and fate of endocrine disruptors from non-potable reuse of municipal wastewater

Identifying Opportunities for Nonpotable Water Reuse Based on Potential Supplies and Demands in the United States

“…41 In a case study examining the effects of long-term irrigation with recycled water, researchers found that while treated wastewater may contain high concentrations of endocrine disruptors, percolation through the unsaturated zone above an aquifer can be sufficient in removing harmful pollutants so that groundwater quality is unaffected; however, these conclusions may not be true in areas where the water table is near the land surface. 42 Irrigation with recycled water can lead to the accumulation of salts, nutrients, and minerals in the soil; however, these issues can be avoided by adapting irrigation techniques and regular monitoring. 14,40 can offset their fertilizer needs by using reclaimed water that typically has a concentration of nitrogen higher than that of traditional water sources.…”

“…One such study found personal care product and endocrine distributor concentrations in leafy vegetables irrigated with reclaimed water; their existence in these vegetables would likely have no impacts on health on the basis of an average American diet . In a case study examining the effects of long-term irrigation with recycled water, researchers found that while treated wastewater may contain high concentrations of endocrine disruptors, percolation through the unsaturated zone above an aquifer can be sufficient in removing harmful pollutants so that groundwater quality is unaffected; however, these conclusions may not be true in areas where the water table is near the land surface . Irrigation with recycled water can lead to the accumulation of salts, nutrients, and minerals in the soil; however, these issues can be avoided by adapting irrigation techniques and regular monitoring. , Additionally, farmers can offset their fertilizer needs by using reclaimed water that typically has a concentration of nitrogen higher than that of traditional water sources. ,, The use of reclaimed water for irrigation has proven effective in contexts like Bakersfield, California, where an agreement between the North Of River Sanitation District and Sill Properties has been in place since 1990 to use secondary treated effluent for irrigation of fodder crops. , …”