Greywater reuse for irrigation: effect on soil properties
Micheal J Travis1, Alit Wiel-Shafran, Noam Weisbrod
1Department of Environmental Hydrology and Microbiology, Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, 84990 Israel.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 31, 2010
Summary
Treated greywater (GW) irrigation did not harm soil properties or plant growth. Raw GW irrigation, however, increased soil hydrophobicity and fecal coliforms, potentially impacting water movement and contaminant transport.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Greywater (GW) reuse for irrigation is a sustainable practice.
- Understanding GW's impact on soil physicochemical and biological properties is crucial.
- Soil hydrophobicity and microbial contamination are key concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of raw and treated artificial GW irrigation on soil properties and lettuce growth.
- To compare GW irrigation impacts across sand, loam, and loess soil types.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a recirculating vertical-flow constructed wetland for GW treatment.
Main Methods:
- Controlled study involving irrigation of sand, loam, and loess soils with fresh water, raw GW, or treated GW.
- Lettuce was grown for 40 days, with regular soil sampling and analysis.
- Soil parameters measured included hydrophobicity (water droplet penetration time), zeta potential, oil/grease, surfactants, and fecal coliforms.
Main Results:
- Raw GW significantly increased hydrophobicity and oil/grease/surfactant content in sand and loam soils.
- Soil zeta potential shifted in raw GW-irrigated sand, indicating altered surface properties.
- Fecal coliforms were significantly higher in soils irrigated with raw GW compared to treated GW or fresh water.
Conclusions:
- Treated GW irrigation is a viable option, showing no detrimental effects on soil or plant growth.
- Raw GW irrigation can negatively alter soil properties, increasing hydrophobicity and microbial load.
- Effective GW treatment is essential to mitigate risks associated with soil and water contamination.
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