Systematic reuse potential of wastewater effluents for soils and agriculture obtained from the biological treatment plant of Agrinion, Greece

Abstract

The reuse of biologically treated municipal wastewater effluents on soils and in agriculture requires the development of a comprehensive plan, which must take into consideration all the parameters relative to the operation of the plant, the physical characteristics of the area, the microclimate, the qualitative characteristics of the effluents in terms of their physical, chemical and microbiological behaviour, and which plan will finally examine the corresponding qualitative characteristics of the soils and cultivations with regard to the question of safe effluent reuse. Such planned reuse will contribute significantly towards the protection of the environment in the extension of irrigated cultivations, and in the development of greeneries in areas with marginal soils. It is conceivable that such a plan could be incorporated into a broader, much needed effort for the development of green areas in major cities as it would resolve the otherwise problematic irrigation of plants and trees according to their water needs.