Population expansion, urbanization, industrialization, and increased household water use are all
contributing to a significant increase in wastewater production. The most prevalent type of effluent
is sewage or municipal wastewater, which includes home and industrial wastewater, sewer line
inflows and infiltrations, and storm water runoff. Whether treated or untreated, municipal
wastewater serves as the second-largest water source for irrigation in agriculture. Wastewater used
for agricultural irrigation is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide as freshwater resources
become scarcer. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for irrigation while also providing
fresh produce to urban populations. Additionally, farmers benefit from this method, as wastewater
is readily available and possesses fertilizing properties, further enhancing crop yields. However,
despite its benefits, wastewater irrigation poses significant health risks to people and animals by
exposing them to a diverse range of pathogenic microorganisms. These incorporate viruses,
bacteria, protozoa, and helminths, which can cause severe and debilitating infections such as
cholera, dysentery, dengue fever, and malaria. Moreover, prolonged use of contaminated water
can have harmful consequences for soil health and biodiversity, leading to long-term
environmental degradation. The review addresses the critical problem of using untreated municipal
wastewater for agricultural irrigation, which poses significant risks to public health, environmentalsustainability, and food safety. The review also emphasizes the urgent need for proper wastewater
treatment to mitigate these adverse effects and promote safe and sustainable agricultural practices.
Keywords: Wastewater, Agriculture, Impact, Pathogens, Health
Publication date: 15/03/2025
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2025/March/MS_IJBPAS_2025_MARCH_SPCL_1062.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2025/14.3.1062
