Wastewater Management in Agriculture

Abstract

Considering the global climate changes that have disrupted the availability of fresh water and led to the emergence of drought, an effective management strategy for water quality must be implemented. In this work, we analyzed the possibility of used and treated water being reused and the effect of its use on soil on the development of plants. In the case of irrigation with treated wastewater, the following parameters increased: calcium carbonate equivalent, organic matter, content of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, nitrogen, biochemical oxygen consumption; chemical oxygen demand (COD), decreased sodium absorption rate, soil electrical conductivity, pH, magnesium content, and soil bulk density. Due to the micronutrients it contains, the use of treated wastewater in irrigation can be an organic fertilizer for the soil. Wastewater is a source of soil water supply. Untreated wastewater may contain, depending on the source (industry, pharmacies, medicine, households), toxic compounds, bacteria, viruses, and helminths, which, if used for long periods of time in irrigation, can have a negative impact on health and the environment, reaching the soil, the roots of the crops, and then the underground water. Therefore, these waters must be used after adequate treatment. Global climate change disrupts the availability of fresh water and negatively influences the occurrence of floods, droughts, and water quality, which is why any water source must be managed correctly.

Agricultural Use of Urban Sewage Sludge from the Wastewater Station in the Municipality of Alexandria in Romania

“…It maintains the balance between humification and mineralization, between organic and mineral fertilizers [1].…”

“…We must protect fresh water, which is an exhaustible resource essential for sustaining life, development and the environment. Currently, the development of urbanization has determined the increase in the amount of sludge from treatment plants [1]. Researchers are making efforts to be able to eliminate this sludge, without affecting the environment.…”

Effective Solutions to Ecological and Water Environment Problems in the Sanjiang Plain: Utilization of Farmland Drainage Resources

“…This microbial-based wastewater treatment approach is applicable to various pollutants present in wastewater. Additionally, introducing aerobic and anaerobic wastewater treatment processes can effectively remove biological micropollutants from wastewater [98]. Under aerobic conditions, microorganisms can oxidize and degrade some organic substances, while specific microorganisms can further degrade organic substances in the absence of oxygen.…”

Effects of Sewage Treatment Water Supply on Leaf Development and Yield of Tuberous Roots in Multilayered Sweet Potato Cultivation

“…Research on the use of treated sewage [22,23] and dried sludge [24,25] as a fertilizer has been conducted worldwide. Recently, the widespread use of hydroponic cultivation has also brought attention to the use of treated sewage as liquid fertilizer for the sustainable use and recycling of fertilizer ingredients [26].…”