Benefits from reclaimed wastewater and biosolid reuse in agriculture and in the environment

The reuse of treated wastewater and biosolids is an important agricultural practice in countries suffering from the scarcity of irrigation water. Historically the roots of the reuse go back to ancient times. Nevertheless, organized and systematically planned reuse was started in California (USA) in 1920 and in 1950 in Japan. The wastewater in addition to irrigation water supplied to plants is also an excellent source of plant nutrients, while the biosolids are a rich source of organic matter, and contain essential nutrients at much higher concentrations. However, both of them are sources of toxic heavy metals, emerging organic compounds, and xenobiotics. Despite the presence of these toxic substances, both reclaimed water and biosolids are being reused extensively in many countries being subjected to water scarcity. Recycling these byproducts of the wastewater treatment plants is considered a valuable source of marginal water and nutrient supply for growing crops.