Long-term Impact of Treated Wastewater Irrigation on Ornamental Plants: A Comparison of Secondary and Tertiary Treatment

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Sanitary & Environmental Engineering - Higher Institute of Engineering at 15th May - Department of Civil Engineering

2 Professor of Plant Pathology at Agriculture Research Center, Plant Pathology Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Freshwater (FW) resources are essential for providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and facilitating irrigation. However, the sustainability of these resources is threatened by population growth and increasing agricultural demands. Since approximately 70% of water usage is for irrigation, the reuse of treated wastewater (TWW) presents a sustainable alternative, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. There is an ongoing demand for alternatives that offer both positive potential and environmental protection. Consequently, the reuse of TWW for irrigating ornamental plants has attracted growing interest in recent years. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of using TWW for ornamental plant irrigation and to assess its impact on plant growth through an experimental program. Two types of TWW; tertiary treated wastewater (TTWW) and secondary treated wastewater (STWW) were used to irrigate Pritchardia beccariana, a palm species planted in gardens, and compared with freshwater. The results indicated that TWW outperformed FW, with notable improvements in crop health. Specifically, STWW had a more pronounced positive effect on plant health than TTWW, leading to a 29% and 94% increase in plant height compared to TTWW and FW, respectively. This paper reviews the use of TWW in ornamental plant irrigation, examining its effects on growth and quality while also considering potential risks and existing regulatory frameworks. Overall, the review underscores the benefits and challenges of utilizing TWW for ornamental irrigation and offers recommendations for future research and management strategies.

Keywords

ERJ. Engineering Research Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 June 2025

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