Wastewater‐Based Crop Irrigation: An Issue or a Solution?

Abstract

Paper’s objective was to provide a critical overview of the current state of wastewater generation in different processes around the world and their use in irrigation. As a follow-up, a brief overview of the classification of wastewater and its potential for end use is presented. Furthermore, a specific overview of irrigation using wastewater is presented, together with the relevant scientific papers in which the research on waste- water irrigation impacts on the plants, soil, humans, and the environment are studied. Finally, a special reference was given to the guidelines and policies proposed by the EU stakeholders regarding the integration of wastewater reuse into water planning and management in the context of circular economy, with special emphasis put on novel technologies.