Can constructed wetlands treat wastewater for reuse in agriculture? Review of guidelines and examples in South Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 2616-2626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stevo Lavrnić ◽  
Maurizio L. Mancini
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Microbiological Parameters ◽  
South Europe

South Europe is one of the areas negatively affected by climate change. Issues with water shortage are already visible, and are likely to increase. Since agriculture is the biggest freshwater consumer, it is important to find new water sources that could mitigate the climate change impact. In order to overcome problems and protect the environment, a better approach towards wastewater management is needed. That includes an increase in the volume of wastewater that is treated and a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable system where wastewater is actually considered as a resource. This study evaluates the potential of constructed wetlands (CWs) to treat domestic wastewater and produce effluent that will be suitable for reuse in agriculture. In South Europe, four countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain) have national standards that regulate wastewater reuse in agriculture. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that are based on CWs in these four countries were analysed and their effluents compared with the quality needed for reuse. In general, it was found that CWs have trouble reaching the strictest standards, especially regarding microbiological parameters. However, their effluents are found to be suitable for reuse in areas that do not require water of the highest quality.

Analysis of treated wastewater reuse potential for irrigation in Sicily

2012 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 2024-2033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Barbagallo ◽  
Giuseppe Luigi Cirelli ◽  
Simona Consoli ◽  
Feliciana Licciardello ◽  
Alessia Marzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Irrigation District ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Treated Wastewater Reuse ◽  
The Right

In Mediterranean countries, water shortage is becoming a problem of high concern affecting the local economy, mostly based on agriculture. The problem is not only the scarcity of water in terms of average per capita, but the high cost to make water available at the right place, at the right time with the required quality. In these cases, an integrated approach for water resources management including wastewater is required. The management should also include treated wastewater (TWW) reclamation and reuse, especially for agricultural irrigation. In Italy, TWW reuse is regulated by a quite restrictive approach (Ministry Decree, M.D. 185/03), especially for some chemical compounds and microbiological parameters. The aim of the paper is the evaluation of TWW reuse potential in Sicily. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was built at regional level to quantify and locate the available TWW volumes. In particular, the characteristics of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were integrated, through the GIS, with data on irrigation district areas. Moreover, in order to evaluate the Italian approach for reuse practice in agriculture, the water quality of different TWW effluents was analysed on the basis of both the Italian standards and the WHO guidelines.

scholarly journals Water reuse system in Xi'an Municipality of China

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong Chen ◽  
Xiaochang Wang ◽  
Yanzheng Liu
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Central City ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Reclaimed Water ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
Reuse System

A water reuse system was formulated for the Xi'an International Metropolitan Urban Planning Project, with the aim of mitigating water stress in the central city of Xi'an, China in 2020. The main reuse purposes of the reclaimed water were agriculture, industry, municipal, ecological, and indoor uses. A wastewater reuse potential capacity of 427.2 × 106 m3/yr was deduced by analyzing the water demand for the different reuse purposes. This reuse capacity makes significant contribution to increasing the total urban water supply capacity and mitigating the water shortage problems imposed by the process of urbanization. A supply scheme for the reclaimed water was configured, which comprised the reclaimed water sources, water supply service areas, and the main reuse purposes. As a result, a wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)-centered reclaimed water supply system was formed, and the main reuse purposes of the 15 WWTPs and their service districts were defined. Through an economic analysis, the feasibility and benefits of the water reuse system were ascertained. Overall, this study provided the theoretical basis and implementation strategies for a system configuration of water reuse in Xi'an City and also contributed to solving the water-deficiency problems associated with the rapidly developing urban areas in China.

scholarly journals Challenges and Resolutions for Sustainable Domestic Wastewater Management in Kabul City, Afghanistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1394-1401
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Improved Sanitation ◽  
Treatment Facilities

There is an extreme lack of statistics about Kabul city wastewater management. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate and address the current circumstances and key challenges of domestic wastewater management in residential areas. In addition, to recommend sustainable solutions. The methodology adopted includes the use of questionnaires, field observation and review relevant documents from related stakeholders. The result indicated that more than 50% of households do not have improved toilets. There are no proper wastewater treatment plants except Macroyans’ wastewater treatment facilities that are not worked properly. Furthermore, there is no proper drainage system. Approximately 100 % of domestic wastewater is discharged to the environment without appropriate treatment that creates severe health and environmental problems such as groundwater pollution, bad odors, and effects on biodiversity. The major diseases are diarrhea, malaria, cholera, and typhoid. The key challenges of domestic wastewater management include; absence of improved sanitation facilities, lack of proper wastewater treatment plants and drainages system, poor government responsibilities, deficiency of public participation and unsolid of sustainable wastewater management framework. According to the current circumstances and challenges of domestic wastewater management: decentralized wastewater treatment technologies, enforcement of legislation, decentralization of planning and budgeting to local institutions, involving public, planners and policy-makers at all level and forming of a sustainable wastewater management framework are the main elements which can contribute with wastewater management sustainability in Kabul city

scholarly journals Potential Use of Constructed Wetland Systems for Rural Sanitation and Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture in the Moroccan Context

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Meryem Hdidou ◽  
Mohamed Chaker Necibi ◽  
Jérôme Labille ◽  
Souad El Hajjaji ◽  
Driss Dhiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Emerging Contaminants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Water Shortage ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Different Types

Located in a semi-arid to arid region, Morocco is confronting increasing water scarcity challenges. In the circular economy paradigm, the reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture is currently considered a possible solution to mitigate water shortage and pollution problems. In recent years, Morocco has made significative progress in urban wastewater treatment under the National Wastewater Program (PNA). However, rural sanitation has undergone significant delays. Therefore, an alternative technology for wastewater treatment and reuse in rural areas is investigated in this review, considering the region’s economic, social, and regulatory characteristics. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a simple, sustainable, and cost-effective technology that has yet to be fully explored in Morocco. CWs, indeed, appear to be suitable for the treatment and reuse of wastewater in remote rural areas if they can produce effluent that meets the standards of agricultural irrigation. In this review, 29 studies covering 16 countries and different types of wastewater were collected and studied to assess the treatment efficiency of different types of CWs under different design and operational parameters, as well as their potential application in agricultural reuse. The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency of conventional contamination such as organic matter and suspended solids is generally high. CWs also demonstrated a remarkable capacity to remove heavy metals and emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, care products, etc. The removal of microbial contamination, on the other hand, is challenging, and does not satisfy the standards all the time. However, it can be improved using hybrid constructed wetlands or by adding polishing treatment. In addition, several studies reported that CWs managed to produce effluent that met the requirements of wastewater reuse in agriculture of different countries or organisations including Morocco.

scholarly journals Analisis Keberlanjutan Pengendalian Pencemaran Air Limbah Domestik Menggunakan Constructed Wetlands Teknik Surface Flow (SF)

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-24
Author(s):  
Iga Maliga ◽  
Chay Asdak ◽  
Efan Yudha Winata
Keyword(s):  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
Social Dimension ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Economic Dimension ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
River Contamination

Along with the significant increase of population in Bandung City at the moment, domestic wastewater management process must be considered to avoid river contamination, which one of the causes is domestic wastewater disposal without any prior management process. This study is located in Bandung City, which the research was performed in Research Center for Water Resources Office (PUSAIR) Bandung by involving residents of RW 09 Kelurahan Dago as respondents. The method used in this research is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. This study aims to analyze the sustainability of the domestic wastewater management process which is carried out using constructed wetlands by considering the economic, environmental, social, and technological aspects. The result shows that the sustainability value of the domestic wastewater management process conducted in the PUSAIR office is approximately 65.2% with the status of moderate sustainability. The detail result of each aspects is economic dimension 62.5%; ecological dimension 75%; social dimension 33.3%; and technological dimension 90%.Keywords: Domestic wastewater, Constructed wetlands, Surface flow techniques, Sustainability analysis

scholarly journals Potential Use and Challenges of Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Conservation in Game Lodges and Resorts in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Richard O. B. Makopondo ◽  
Laban K. Rotich ◽  
Cynthia G. Kamau
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Constructed Wetland ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Remote Areas

Constructed wetlands are cost-effective wastewater treatment alternatives that receive worldwide acceptance. For the Kenyan hospitality industry, in particular, constructed wetlands (CWs) provide opportunities for wastewater reuse and recovery of resources, as well as improvements in local environmental conditions. Hospitality establishments produce large volumes of wastewater that is sometimes discharged to the environment without being treated. This is not only harmful to communities living downstream of these rivers but also to the flora and fauna which are the main attraction for most who visit these lodges. This study used qualitative methods to collect and analyze published official government documents, peer-reviewed research articles, and professional reports including leading international and Kenyan case studies to explore how constructed wetlands can be effectively used in game lodges and resorts situated in arid and remote areas of Kenya. The study investigated wastewater management systems adopted by remote game lodges and resorts in Kenya and the potential role, as well as the challenges to adopting constructed wetland (CW) technology. The results indicated that hotels, game lodges, and resorts both internationally and locally are adopting different types of CWs including surface and subsurface flow as alternative nature-oriented wastewater management systems. The study identified opportunities in the use of CWs as a wastewater management and conservation strategy. The results suggest that there are potential challenges which include inadequate expertise and technical support; low volume of discharge during off-seasons; limited space or land; and the attitude of hospitality managers towards constructed wetlands. Based on these preliminary findings, one may conclude that game lodges, ecolodges, and resorts in remote areas are prime candidates for constructed wetland establishment. The study makes specific recommendations with implications for policy and practice to promote sustainable hospitality operations and environmental conservation. It is suggested that future studies test the efficacy and efficiency of CW technology as wastewater management systems in the Kenyan wilderness areas including national parks, game reserves, and forests.

scholarly journals Wastewater reuse in agriculture sector: resources management and adaptation in the context of climate change: case study of the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region, Morocco

2020 ◽  
Vol 183 ◽  
pp. 02005
Author(s):  
Elhousna Faouzi ◽  
Abdelkrim Arioua ◽  
Ismail Karaoui ◽  
Kamal Ait Ouhamchich ◽  
Driss Elhamdouni
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Climate Change Effects ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Recent Climate ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Alternative Water

Recent climate change effects worsened water scarcity in Morocco and forced the country to seek alternative water resources such as domestic and industrial wastewater. In this context, we assessed the treatment efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) of the BeniMellal-Khenifra region based on physicochemical and biological parameters. Vegetation cover evolution near WWTPs was also analysed using satellite images (Landsat TM and OLI). Six WWTP were evaluated based on treated water quality and a survey of nearby farmers and residents. Results showed treated wastewater is in line with Moroccan standards, and can be reused for irrigation and aquaculture without harmful effects. The survey pointed to the Boujaad WWTP as a model in the region. The vegetation cover evolution before and after WWTP existence showed an important improvement of cultivated lands. As a conclusion, wastewater reuse will allow the BeniMellal-Khenifra region to secure agricultural irrigation to safeguard freshwater quantities and quality despite climate change.

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Hybrid Constructed Wetlands Treating University Wastewater—Experience from Northern Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10604
Author(s):  
Stevo Lavrnić ◽  
Maribel Zapater Pereyra ◽  
Sandra Cristino ◽  
Domenico Cupido ◽  
Giovanni Lucchese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Domestic Wastewater ◽  
Horizontal Flow ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
One Year ◽  
The University ◽  
Natural Water Bodies

University wastewater is a type of wastewater with higher pollutants load and flow rate variability than typical domestic wastewater. Constructed wetlands (CW) could be used for university wastewater treatment and consequently for wastewater reuse. A hybrid CW pilot plant, at the University of Bologna (Italy), was monitored to assess its potential to be used at the university. Its treatment performance was monitored for one year and public acceptance explored through a survey. The pilot plant had two treatment lines, (1) a vertical flow CW (VFCW) and a planted horizontal flow CW (HFCW), and (2) the same VFCW and an unplanted horizontal flow filter (HFF). The HFCW achieved higher removals than the HFF, but it was also found to be prone to higher water losses. However, both treatment lines met the Italian limits for discharge in natural water bodies and some of the limits for wastewater reuse in Italy and the EU. The VFCW alone was not able to meet the same limits, demonstrating the advantages of hybrid over single stage CWs. A positive attitude towards CWs and wastewater reuse was found among the survey participants. Therefore, hybrid CWs (planted and unplanted) are considered a feasible technology for application at universities.

Innovative education and training for community-based water protection units

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick Kakembo
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Reuse ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Economic Incentives ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Wastewater Management ◽  
Water Protection ◽  
Community Based ◽  
And Training ◽  
Innovative Education

The paper explores the centrality of community-based education and training in addressing constraints and opportunities for wastewater management in Uganda. To be sustainable, wastewater management need to be conceived in terms of socio-economic incentives, community action, group pressure and social capital. It is assumed that communities could be motivated to undertake sustainable wastewater disposal activities if concrete benefits are demonstrated. The benefits include among others; reducing expenditure on health; improvement of the fisheries sector and the use of wastewater for crop farming. The paper is based on a study that analyzed the role of socio-economic incentives and Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in sustainable management of wastewater. Data was collected through personal interviews, documents analysis and review of recent studies on wastewater reuse in Uganda. Focus was put on districts of Mukono, Buikwe and Kayunga in central Uganda. Findings reveal that in line with the Hydro-Social-Health cycle, physical, social, political, economic, and cultural factors converge to influence wastewater management. The paper duly describes innovative education and training approaches based on Communal Water Protection Units (COWAPU) facilitated by multidisciplinary Water Professionals and Educators (WAPE).It is concluded that it is possible to operate a complete sanitation system without subsidies.

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