Treated Wastewater Reuse for Agricultural Irrigation: A Case Study in Saveh City

Introduction: Using treated wastewater for farming irrigation is a strategic way to address water shortages. While it offers the benefit of providing nutrients to crops, its use poses health risks unless pathogens are sufficiently reduced to comply with safety standards. This study assessed the feasibility of reusing treated municipal wastewater from Saveh City, Iran, for agricultural purposes. Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study, the samples were collected from the inlet and outlet of the Saveh wastewater treatment plant during spring and summer ۲۰۲۴. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were analyzed according to the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Results: The treated effluent complied with the Iranian agricultural standards for key physicochemical parameters, including pH, turbidity, chloride, and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) was ۵.۲۸ and sodium percentage (Na%) was ۵۳, indicating low sodium hazard and excellent water quality for irrigation. However, total and fecal coliform levels (۲۶,۰۰۰ and ۶۰۰۰ MPN/۱۰۰ mL, respectively) exceeded permissible limits. The study calculated that the treated wastewater could irrigate approximately ۱۹۴ hectares of wheat. Conclusion: While the treated wastewater from Saveh is chemically suitable for agricultural reuse, its microbial quality requires enhancement through disinfection (e.g., UV, ozone) or additional treatment prior to use to ensure public health safety.

کلیدواژه ها:

Treated Municipal Wastewater ، agricultural irrigation ، Wastewater reuse feasibility ، Water scarcity solutions