Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation

David Yalin; Hillary A. Craddock; Shmuel Assouline; Evyatar Ben Mordechay; Alon Ben-Gal; Nirit Bernstein; Rabia M. Chaudhry; Benny Chefetz; Despo Fatta-Kassinos; Bernd M. Gawlik; Kerry A. Hamilton; Leron Khalifa; Isaya Kisekka; Iftach Klapp; Hila Korach-Rechtman; Daniel Kurtzman; Guy J. Levy; Roberta Maffettone; Sixto Malato; Célia M. Manaia; Kyriakos Manoli; Orah F. Moshe; Andrew Rimelman; Luigi Rizzo; David L. Sedlak; Maya Shnit-Orland; Eliav Shtull-Trauring; Jorge Tarchitzky; Venus Welch-White; Clinton Williams; Jean McLain; Eddie Cytryn

doi:10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation

David Yalin, Hillary A. Craddock, Shmuel Assouline, Evyatar Ben Mordechay, Alon Ben-Gal, Nirit Bernstein, Rabia M. Chaudhry, Benny Chefetz, Despo Fatta-Kassinos, Bernd M. Gawlik, Kerry A. Hamilton, Leron Khalifa, Isaya Kisekka, Iftach Klapp, Hila Korach-Rechtman, Daniel Kurtzman, Guy J. Levy, Roberta Maffettone, Sixto Malato, Célia M. ManaiaKyriakos Manoli, Orah F. Moshe, Andrew Rimelman, Luigi Rizzo, David L. Sedlak, Maya Shnit-Orland, Eliav Shtull-Trauring, Jorge Tarchitzky, Venus Welch-White, Clinton Williams, Jean McLain, Eddie Cytryn^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Department of Soil and Water Sciences

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Scarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation. We specifically draw on the extensive knowledge gained in Israel, a world leader in agricultural TWW implementation. The first two sections of the work set the foundation for understanding current challenges involved with the use of TWW, detailing known and emerging agronomic and environmental issues (such as salinity and phytotoxicity) and public health risks (such as contaminants of emerging concern and pathogens). The work then presents solutions to address these challenges, including technological and agronomic management-based solutions as well as source control policies. The concluding section presents suggestions for the path forward, emphasizing the importance of improving links between research and policy, and better outreach to the public and agricultural practitioners. We use this platform as a call for action, to form a global harmonized data system that will centralize scientific findings on agronomic, environmental and public health effects of TWW irrigation. Insights from such global collaboration will help to mitigate risks, and facilitate more sustainable use of TWW for food production in the future.

Original language	American English
Article number	100203
Journal	Water Research X
Volume	21
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203
State	Published - 1 Dec 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021 ), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822 . Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6) . We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript.

Funding Information:
This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822. Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6). We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript.

Funding Information:
Currently, only ∼20 % of the global treated wastewater produced is reused ( Jones et al., 2021 ), with the rest being discharged into the environment. The long term experience of countries such as Israel, where ∼85 % of the generated TWW is reused for agricultural irrigation ( Cohen et al., 2020 ), can promote widespread use of this untapped resource. Despite its advantages, it bears noting that widespread TWW irrigation poses challenges to agricultural production, the environment, and public health that need to be addressed ( Levy et al., 2011 ; Ofori et al., 2021 ; Tal, 2016 ). The primary objective of this manuscript is to provide a roadmap for researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to understand current and emerging challenges associated with agricultural TWW use, drawing upon the vast experience gained in Israel, Europe and the US. By contextualizing present-day research, policy and practical experience, this publication aims to inspire the expansion of agricultural TWW reuse. This work was the product of a four day international symposium (TreWAg 2022), supported by the United States-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, the European Union's Horizon 2020 PRIMA program, and the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan ( WRAP Action 1.6 ), which brought together a multidisciplinary group of scientists, stakeholders and policymakers.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Author(s)

Keywords

Agronomic and environmental risks
Contaminants of emerging concern
Policy and outreach
Treated wastewater irrigation
Wastewater treatment processes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

Cite this

Yalin, D., Craddock, H. A., Assouline, S., Ben Mordechay, E., Ben-Gal, A., Bernstein, N., Chaudhry, R. M., Chefetz, B., Fatta-Kassinos, D., Gawlik, B. M., Hamilton, K. A., Khalifa, L., Kisekka, I., Klapp, I., Korach-Rechtman, H., Kurtzman, D., Levy, G. J., Maffettone, R., Malato, S., ... Cytryn, E. (2023). Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation. Water Research X, 21, Article 100203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

@article{e810f69941c4465d8d617e035ae155ff,

title = "Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation",

abstract = "Scarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation. We specifically draw on the extensive knowledge gained in Israel, a world leader in agricultural TWW implementation. The first two sections of the work set the foundation for understanding current challenges involved with the use of TWW, detailing known and emerging agronomic and environmental issues (such as salinity and phytotoxicity) and public health risks (such as contaminants of emerging concern and pathogens). The work then presents solutions to address these challenges, including technological and agronomic management-based solutions as well as source control policies. The concluding section presents suggestions for the path forward, emphasizing the importance of improving links between research and policy, and better outreach to the public and agricultural practitioners. We use this platform as a call for action, to form a global harmonized data system that will centralize scientific findings on agronomic, environmental and public health effects of TWW irrigation. Insights from such global collaboration will help to mitigate risks, and facilitate more sustainable use of TWW for food production in the future.",

keywords = "Agronomic and environmental risks, Contaminants of emerging concern, Policy and outreach, Treated wastewater irrigation, Wastewater treatment processes",

author = "David Yalin and Craddock, {Hillary A.} and Shmuel Assouline and {Ben Mordechay}, Evyatar and Alon Ben-Gal and Nirit Bernstein and Chaudhry, {Rabia M.} and Benny Chefetz and Despo Fatta-Kassinos and Gawlik, {Bernd M.} and Hamilton, {Kerry A.} and Leron Khalifa and Isaya Kisekka and Iftach Klapp and Hila Korach-Rechtman and Daniel Kurtzman and Levy, {Guy J.} and Roberta Maffettone and Sixto Malato and Manaia, {C{\'e}lia M.} and Kyriakos Manoli and Moshe, {Orah F.} and Andrew Rimelman and Luigi Rizzo and Sedlak, {David L.} and Maya Shnit-Orland and Eliav Shtull-Trauring and Jorge Tarchitzky and Venus Welch-White and Clinton Williams and Jean McLain and Eddie Cytryn",

note = "Funding Information: This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021 ), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822 . Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6) . We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript. Funding Information: This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822. Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6). We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript. Funding Information: Currently, only ∼20 % of the global treated wastewater produced is reused ( Jones et al., 2021 ), with the rest being discharged into the environment. The long term experience of countries such as Israel, where ∼85 % of the generated TWW is reused for agricultural irrigation ( Cohen et al., 2020 ), can promote widespread use of this untapped resource. Despite its advantages, it bears noting that widespread TWW irrigation poses challenges to agricultural production, the environment, and public health that need to be addressed ( Levy et al., 2011 ; Ofori et al., 2021 ; Tal, 2016 ). The primary objective of this manuscript is to provide a roadmap for researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to understand current and emerging challenges associated with agricultural TWW use, drawing upon the vast experience gained in Israel, Europe and the US. By contextualizing present-day research, policy and practical experience, this publication aims to inspire the expansion of agricultural TWW reuse. This work was the product of a four day international symposium (TreWAg 2022), supported by the United States-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, the European Union's Horizon 2020 PRIMA program, and the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan ( WRAP Action 1.6 ), which brought together a multidisciplinary group of scientists, stakeholders and policymakers. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2023 The Author(s)",

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doi = "10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203",

language = "American English",

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Yalin, D, Craddock, HA, Assouline, S, Ben Mordechay, E, Ben-Gal, A, Bernstein, N, Chaudhry, RM, Chefetz, B, Fatta-Kassinos, D, Gawlik, BM, Hamilton, KA, Khalifa, L, Kisekka, I, Klapp, I, Korach-Rechtman, H, Kurtzman, D, Levy, GJ, Maffettone, R, Malato, S, Manaia, CM, Manoli, K, Moshe, OF, Rimelman, A, Rizzo, L, Sedlak, DL, Shnit-Orland, M, Shtull-Trauring, E, Tarchitzky, J, Welch-White, V, Williams, C, McLain, J & Cytryn, E 2023, 'Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation', Water Research X, vol. 21, 100203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

TY - JOUR

T1 - Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation

AU - Yalin, David

AU - Craddock, Hillary A.

AU - Assouline, Shmuel

AU - Ben Mordechay, Evyatar

AU - Ben-Gal, Alon

AU - Bernstein, Nirit

AU - Chaudhry, Rabia M.

AU - Chefetz, Benny

AU - Fatta-Kassinos, Despo

AU - Gawlik, Bernd M.

AU - Hamilton, Kerry A.

AU - Khalifa, Leron

AU - Kisekka, Isaya

AU - Klapp, Iftach

AU - Korach-Rechtman, Hila

AU - Kurtzman, Daniel

AU - Levy, Guy J.

AU - Maffettone, Roberta

AU - Malato, Sixto

AU - Manaia, Célia M.

AU - Manoli, Kyriakos

AU - Moshe, Orah F.

AU - Rimelman, Andrew

AU - Rizzo, Luigi

AU - Sedlak, David L.

AU - Shnit-Orland, Maya

AU - Shtull-Trauring, Eliav

AU - Tarchitzky, Jorge

AU - Welch-White, Venus

AU - Williams, Clinton

AU - McLain, Jean

AU - Cytryn, Eddie

N1 - Funding Information: This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021 ), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822 . Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6) . We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript. Funding Information: This manuscript was the product of the symposium “Understanding and mitigating effects of treated wastewater reuse in agriculture: From risks to policy and new opportunities (treWAG2022)”, which was supported by the United States – Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (Workshop No. WS-122–2021), and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project DSWAP under the PRIMA program under grant agreement 1822. Further support was provided by the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP Action 1.6). We especially thank Dr. Sharon Nappier, the National Program Leader for Water Reuse at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for critical review and important comments that enabled us to improve the manuscript. Funding Information: Currently, only ∼20 % of the global treated wastewater produced is reused ( Jones et al., 2021 ), with the rest being discharged into the environment. The long term experience of countries such as Israel, where ∼85 % of the generated TWW is reused for agricultural irrigation ( Cohen et al., 2020 ), can promote widespread use of this untapped resource. Despite its advantages, it bears noting that widespread TWW irrigation poses challenges to agricultural production, the environment, and public health that need to be addressed ( Levy et al., 2011 ; Ofori et al., 2021 ; Tal, 2016 ). The primary objective of this manuscript is to provide a roadmap for researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers to understand current and emerging challenges associated with agricultural TWW use, drawing upon the vast experience gained in Israel, Europe and the US. By contextualizing present-day research, policy and practical experience, this publication aims to inspire the expansion of agricultural TWW reuse. This work was the product of a four day international symposium (TreWAg 2022), supported by the United States-Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund, the European Union's Horizon 2020 PRIMA program, and the US EPA Water Reuse Action Plan ( WRAP Action 1.6 ), which brought together a multidisciplinary group of scientists, stakeholders and policymakers. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s)

PY - 2023/12/1

Y1 - 2023/12/1

N2 - Scarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation. We specifically draw on the extensive knowledge gained in Israel, a world leader in agricultural TWW implementation. The first two sections of the work set the foundation for understanding current challenges involved with the use of TWW, detailing known and emerging agronomic and environmental issues (such as salinity and phytotoxicity) and public health risks (such as contaminants of emerging concern and pathogens). The work then presents solutions to address these challenges, including technological and agronomic management-based solutions as well as source control policies. The concluding section presents suggestions for the path forward, emphasizing the importance of improving links between research and policy, and better outreach to the public and agricultural practitioners. We use this platform as a call for action, to form a global harmonized data system that will centralize scientific findings on agronomic, environmental and public health effects of TWW irrigation. Insights from such global collaboration will help to mitigate risks, and facilitate more sustainable use of TWW for food production in the future.

AB - Scarcity of freshwater for agriculture has led to increased utilization of treated wastewater (TWW), establishing it as a significant and reliable source of irrigation water. However, years of research indicate that if not managed adequately, TWW may deleteriously affect soil functioning and plant productivity, and pose a hazard to human and environmental health. This review leverages the experience of researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers from Israel, the United-States, and Europe to present a holistic, multidisciplinary perspective on maximizing the benefits from municipal TWW use for irrigation. We specifically draw on the extensive knowledge gained in Israel, a world leader in agricultural TWW implementation. The first two sections of the work set the foundation for understanding current challenges involved with the use of TWW, detailing known and emerging agronomic and environmental issues (such as salinity and phytotoxicity) and public health risks (such as contaminants of emerging concern and pathogens). The work then presents solutions to address these challenges, including technological and agronomic management-based solutions as well as source control policies. The concluding section presents suggestions for the path forward, emphasizing the importance of improving links between research and policy, and better outreach to the public and agricultural practitioners. We use this platform as a call for action, to form a global harmonized data system that will centralize scientific findings on agronomic, environmental and public health effects of TWW irrigation. Insights from such global collaboration will help to mitigate risks, and facilitate more sustainable use of TWW for food production in the future.

KW - Agronomic and environmental risks

KW - Contaminants of emerging concern

KW - Policy and outreach

KW - Treated wastewater irrigation

KW - Wastewater treatment processes

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U2 - 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

DO - 10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100203

M3 - Article

AN - SCOPUS:85172793614

SN - 2589-9147

VL - 21

JO - Water Research X

JF - Water Research X

M1 - 100203

ER -

Mitigating risks and maximizing sustainability of treated wastewater reuse for irrigation

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

UN SDGs

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