Wastewater for irrigation in brazil: A chemical, physical and microbiological approach

Abstract

The main attributes to be evaluated in irrigation water quality include physical, chemical and biological parameters that define the potential for use. Wastewater may contain contaminants, which may cause adverse effects on the soil, plants and groundwater if they are present at high concentrations. The objective of this work was to discuss the main characteristics that influence the quality of the wastewater destined to irrigation by means of information gathering available in the specific literature. The use of effluents for irrigation requires a more cautious approach and its study of is still incipient. The results obtained in the surveys reveal that several crops can be irrigated with wastewater when properly treated. This fact confirms the importance of adopting an even more specific reuse policy regarding the use of wastewater in various agricultural activities, mainly through irrigation. However, there are still several problems related to this practice, and further studies are needed that contribute to the development of agriculture, aiming at the conservation of natural resources, crop production and health security.