Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In principle, therefore, standards and guidelines for the safe use of wastewater in
agricultural irrigation exist (see next section and Annex 1). Moreover, there is a
range of cheap and simple measures for moving towards the aims set in these
guidelines (see next section). These measures must be considered in setting the
framework for sustainable wastewater reuse systems.
3 Setting a Framework for Sustainable Wastewater Reuse
Systems
3.1 Managing Risks of Wastewater Irrigation
For a long time, recommended risk reduction measures had put great emphasis on
wastewater treatment plants, the 2006 WHO guidelines recommend a whole chain
of measures, the so-called Multi-Barrier Approach. This approach combines
wastewater treatment with measures at the farmer level (e.g. safe irrigation prac-
tices), the trader level (e.g. safe handling of produce) and the consumer level (e.g.
awareness creation).
Box 4: Examples for health protection measures in a Multi-Barrier
Approach
Wastewater treatment
Simple sedimentation and/or
filtration of wastewater on farms
Crop restrictions
Wastewater application techniques that minimize crop contamination (e.g.
drip irrigation)
Use of personal protective equipment for those in direct physical contact
with wastewater
Withholding periods to allow pathogen die-off after the last wastewater
application
Restricted access to wastewater irrigated
fields and hydraulic structures
Hygienic practices at food markets and during food preparation
Produce washing, disinfection and cooking
Access to safe drinking-water and sanitation facilities at farms and in local
communities
Medication (e.g. anti-helminthic drugs) and immunization
Health and hygiene promotion
Source: USEPA (
2012
); Mateo-Sagasta et al. (
2013
)
Search WWH ::
Custom Search