Using treated wastewater for irrigation can produce crops that are both economically viable and safe for human consumption, according to research conducted in Gerga, in the Sohag Governorate of Egypt.
13 August 2015: Using treated wastewater for irrigation can produce crops that are both economically viable and safe for human consumption, according to research conducted in Gerga, in the Sohag Governorate of Egypt.
The research, supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) through a project of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) and the Government of Italy, investigated market demand and consumption of certain agricultural products. The research found that, despite water scarcity, domestic demand for chickpeas, lentils, maize and vegetable oils could be met through local cultivation using treated waste water for irrigation. It also found that irrigation with treated wastewater can produce food crops fit for human consumption, besides animal fodder, motor oil, lubricants and seeds.
The research found that using wastewater in farming not only conserves freshwater, but also enables the cultivation of harsh soils, helps dispose of sewage effluent and lowers agricultural production costs. It recommends establishing village-level treatment plants that can treat sewage and channel the wastewater to local farms. [UNEP Press Release] [GPA Global Wastewater Initiative]