The effect of reclaimed wastewater on the quality and growth of grapevines

Abstract

The effect of the use of treated wastewater on the growth of cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes from the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico was evaluated. Secondary advanced effluent was used to irrigate the grapevines at a rate of 66 L/vine/week. Wastewater quality results confirmed that all parameters complied with Mexican legislation for crop irrigation as well as reuse in activities in which the public would be in direct or indirect contact with the reclaimed water. Results showed that the number of leaves per shoot and the overall biomass increased in plants irrigated with wastewater and grape production per plant was 20% higher. The concentration of carbohydrates, organic acids and pH were similar in grapes from vines irrigated with wastewater to those irrigated with groundwater. Throughout the experiment, no fecal coliform bacteria were detected in the cultivated grapes. The wastewater caused an increase in the biomass of the grapevines and there was no presence of microbial indicators in the final product so a higher wine production could be achieved without an increase in health risk related problems. If 200 L/s of reclaimed wastewater would be returned to be used for grapevine irrigation in Valle de Guadalupe (the same amount that is currently being sent as drinking water to Ensenada), assuming an irrigation application of 6,000-7.500 m3/ha/year, approximately 837-1046 hectares (ha) of grapevines could be irrigated. Part of ongoing research includes an economical analysis of the best options for Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe in order to establish the optimum volume of water to be returned, the cost of its transportation, as well as the cost of irrigation.

Effect of Treated Waste Water Irrigation on Plant Growth and Soil Properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…They concluded that drip irrigation systems are preferred to achieve several small irrigations per day in order to avoid deep percolation losses. Mendoza-Espinosa et al [3] evaluated the effect of treated wastewater on the growth of cabernet sauvignon and merlot grapes from the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico. They reported that the number of leaves per shoot and the overall biomass increased in plants irrigated with wastewater and grape production per plant was 20% higher and the concentration of carbohydrates, organic acids and pH were similar in grapes from vines irrigated with wastewater to those irrigated with groundwater.…”

Virtues of simple hydro-economic optimization: Baja California, Mexico

“…Groundwater from the nearby aquifers is the main source for Maneadero and Guadalupe irrigation. From 28 to 32 Mm 3 /yr of water are extracted from the Guadalupe aquifer, supplying roughly one third for potable water supply for the city of Ensenada and twothirds for agriculture in the Guadalupe valley, which supports the most important wineries in the country (Daesslé et al, 2006;Mendoza-Espinosa et al, 2008). Despite the economic importance of agriculture in these three areas, urban uses continue to expand.…”

Treated wastewater impact on rural green farm life cycle, Egypt

“…This trial has been applied in Haram City farm (HCF) to evaluate the reuse of treated wastewater in agricultural sectors, its effect on soil properties and fish farming. Mendoza [3] assessed the influence of treated wastewater (TWW) on merlot grapes and the growth of cabernet sauvignon from Guadalupe Valley, Mexico. He stated that the leaves number/ shoot and the whole biomass improved in plants irrigated with TWW and production/plant of grape was higher by twenty percent.…”