Transition from irrigation with untreated wastewater to treated wastewater and associated benefits and risks
Benjamin Justus Heyde, Melanie Braun, Leila Soufi, Kathia Lüneberg, Sara Gallego, Wulf Amelung, Katharina Axtmann, Gabriele Bierbaum, Stefanie P. Glaeser, Elisabeth Grohmann, René Arredondo‐Hernández, Ines Mulder, Dipen Pulami, Kornelia Smalla, Christiane Zarfl, Christina Siebe, Jan Siemens
Abstract
Abstract Investments in “Clean water and sanitation” drive a transition from irrigation with untreated to irrigation with treated wastewater. While this transition reduces many health risks, it may decrease crop yields, and soil carbon storage, cause a release of accumulated pollutants from soils, and increase the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. A holistic view on multiple SDGs is necessary to maximize benefits and minimize risks of wastewater treatment for irrigation.