Technical, economic, and environmental evaluation and optimization of wastewater, food, and energy usage - A case study of the veramin plain

Abstract

This study pioneers an integrated approach to resource management by addressing the critical interdependencies between the water, food, and energy sectors, with a focus on the use of treated wastewater in agriculture. The innovation and new contribution of this study is that, unlike previous studies that focused on individual sectors (water, food, or energy), this study integrates them to address their interdependencies in a comprehensive manner. Forecasting techniques are used to predict wastewater use trends up to 2030. Accurate data on water consumption and energy inputs for different crops are provided, providing a quantitative basis for resource optimization. The primary objectives of this research include quantifying the energy consumption in agricultural processes associated with wastewater use, and the secondary objective of assessing environmental impacts, in particular the risks of heavy metal pollution. The final objective of this paper is to predict future wastewater use trends using predictive modeling techniques with the aim of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach in methodology, including water consumption and energy input data for different crops (e.g., grapes, wheat, cabbage), and advanced statistical models are used to predict wastewater consumption trends, and energy consumption is analyzed throughout the agricultural processes from planting to harvest. Key numerical findings show that grapes and wheat consume the most water per year, with 10 m 3 and 6 m 3 per plant, respectively. Cabbage requires only 0.1 m 3 . Watermelon, cotton, and wheat require the most energy during cultivation. Tomatoes and oranges require the least. Population growth and expansion of industrial activities are projected to contribute to a significant increase in wastewater volume. Forecasts indicate that wastewater volume will reach 462,861 m 3 per year by 2025 and 755,056 m 3 per year by 2030. The consumption of treated wastewater in agriculture is expected to reach 747,639 thousand cubic meters per year by 2030, an increase that reflects the optimal use of this valuable resource in agriculture. The consumption of treated wastewater in the green space irrigation sector is expected to reach 5805 thousand cubic meters by 2030. These results emphasize the potential of treated wastewater as a sustainable solution for agriculture while ensuring safe practices.

Topics & Concepts