Environmental aspects of wastewater reuse

Abstract

Wastewater has a high potential for reuse in agriculture, especially in arid and semiarid areas. Wastewater reuse increases food production by providing a stable supply of water, and contributes to environmental security by reducing the pollution level of rivers and surface water. It also conserves a significant portion of river basin waters and allows for the disposal of municipal wastewater in a low-cost, sanitary way. A very small percentage of wastewater is currently being used for irrigation in the world. Wastewater collection, its treatment, disposal of waste, and use of treated wastewater is a big challenge to environmental security. This paper discusses the latest research developments in the field of wastewater reuse and the factors affecting environmental security. © 2007 Springer.