Suitability of treated wastewater for irrigation and its impact on groundwater resources in arid coastal regions: Insights for water resources sustainability

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29320
• Publication Date: 2024-04-11T01:20:20Z
• Authors: Mohammed Benaafi; Arya Pradipta; Bassam Tawabini; Ahmed M. Al-Areeq; Abdullah Bafaqeer; John D. Humphrey; Mazen K. Nazal; Isam H. Aljundi
• Keywords: H1-99; Science (General); Water scarcity; 0207 environmental engineering; 02 engineering and technology; Social sciences (General); Q1-390; Contamination; Treated wastewater; Water pollution; Water resources management; Groundwater; Research Article

Water scarcity threatens agriculture and food security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. The nation produces significant quantities of municipal wastewater, which, with adequate treatment, could serve as an alternative water source for irrigation, thereby reducing reliance on fossil non-renewable groundwater. This study assessed the appropriateness using treated wastewater (TWW) irrigation a dry coastal agricultural region Eastern Arabia its impact groundwater resources. Field investigations were conducted Qatif to collect samples field measurements. A multi-criteria approach was applied evaluate TWW's suitability including complying Standards, Irrigation Quality Index (IWQI), National Sanitation Foundation quality index (NSFWQI), individual indices. In addition, TWW through hydrogeological isotope approaches. results indicate that use area complied reuse guidelines except nitrate, aluminum, molybdenum. However, indices classify having limitations necessitate salt-tolerant crops permeable well-drained soils. Stable isotopic analysis (δ