Search Results (360)

Coffee grounds can be used in agriculture as a bio-input to enhance soil fertility and biodiversity in the long term. Furthermore, the use of coffee grounds in agriculture is a sustainable practice because it reuses an organic waste product as natural fertilizer and minimizes the environmental impact resulting from the improper disposal of waste. This study aimed to identify the effects of coffee grounds on the growth and yield of iceberg lettuce plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using 4 kg of substrate in containers with a 5.356 dm³ capacity, following a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The primary treatment consisted of plants grown in two types of substrate: soil and sand (01) and soil, sand, and 10% coffee grounds (02). The secondary treatment corresponded to irrigation with water (01) and a 10% coffee ground extract solution (02). Coffee grounds incorporated into the soil increase soil fertility; however, they reduce lettuce growth due to the toxicity of the compounds present and should not be used without prior treatment. Processing coffee grounds into irrigation solutions shows promise due to its high potential for use as an agricultural bio-input in lettuce production. This solution enhances the growth and development of the species, resulting in vigorous plants with market value. Full article

Landfill leachate reverse osmosis (RO) treatment generates a highly concentrated stream rich in recalcitrant organic matter, particularly humic substances (HS), which present potential for recovery and reuse as a biofertilizer. This study evaluated HS recovery from the RO concentrate of the Seropédica Landfill (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) using a nanofiltration (NF) process with a polyethersulfone membrane (MWCO = 1000 Da) operated at 9 bar. The NF system achieved a volume reduction factor of 2.5, rejecting 70–75% of the organic matter. At the same time, salts were predominantly transmitted to the permeate. The phytotoxicity of recovered HS solution was evaluated through maize (Zea mays L.) germination assays at concentrations ranging from 20 to 100 mg HS/L. All treatments showed germination indices above 100%, indicating the absence of phytotoxicity, and seedling growth significantly improved relative to the control, especially at 20 mg HS/L. Trace metal concentrations in the recovered HS complied with Brazilian standards for irrigation water. Overall, the results show that nanofiltration is highly effective in concentrating humic substances from leachate RO concentrate, minimizing the presence of salts, and contributing to strategies for landfill leachate management. Full article

Using reclaimed water for irrigation is an effective strategy in semi-arid regions facing water scarcity. However, this water may contain pharmaceutical residues, posing potential environmental and health risks. To ensure sustainable reuse, it is essential to study how these substances accumulate in soil and transfer to crops. The aim of this research was to develop and optimise a rapid Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction method combined with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–tandem Mass Spectrometry for quantifying 23 pharmaceuticals in non-cultivated soil. Following optimisation, 18 compounds were successfully extracted using a MeOH:H₂O ratio of 75:25. The detection and quantification limits were found to range from 0.52 to 0.5 ng·g⁻¹ and 1.75 to 35 ng·g⁻¹, respectively. The matrix effects and recoveries varied by compounds’ type and concentration, but most results were acceptable. The evidence suggested that some drugs underwent microbial degradation. Soil irrigated with reclaimed water via subsurface drip since 2012 occasionally contained four pharmaceuticals (caffeine, carbamazepine, tamoxifen, and venlafaxine) at low concentrations, while others were absent. This indicates the capacity of soil to act as a barrier, and highlights the importance of proper water management. The study concludes that reclaimed water reuse is safe if supported by efficient treatment and management, offering a promising approach for long-term sustainability in water-scarce regions. Full article

This study evaluates the quality and irrigation suitability of drainage water in the Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia, where water scarcity necessitates the reuse of nonconventional resources. Eighteen drainage water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters and irrigation indices, including electrical conductivity (EC), sodium percentage (Na⁺%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), Kelly’s ratio (KR), permeability index (PS), and irrigation water quality index (IWQI). Multivariate statistical tools were applied to identify dominant hydrogeochemical processes. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation in ArcGIS Desktop 10.8 was employed to map significant physicochemical data and irrigation indicators. Results revealed that while EC values indicated low to moderate salinity (0.74–25.2 μS/cm), most samples showed high Na⁺%, SAR, and KR, classifying them as doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation. The IWQI ranged from 84.47 to 1617.87, indicating poor to inferior quality due to evaporation, fertilizer leaching, and sodium accumulation. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of precise geographic modeling in determining whether drainage water is suitable for long-term agricultural use in arid regions such as Al-Jouf. Sustainable reuse of such drainage water requires freshwater blending, gypsum application, and the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for sustainable water management in arid regions. Full article

The aim of this paper is to investigate the measures adopted by higher education institutions (HEIs) for sustainable water management in university campuses. Rain and storm water harvesting and treatment, rain and storm water reuse, wastewater treatment and reuse and technologies for runoff reduction were found to be frequently undertaken. Sustainable approaches to water supply such as water-efficient appliances, irrigation algorithms and the use of drought-resistant plants have been adopted as well. In support, monitoring of consumed water and of rain and storm waters has been a widespread practice. Important considerations were given to the impact of the identified measures on campuses’ energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Nature-based solutions, employment of renewable energies and sustainable disinfection methods are measures to prioritize. Some wastewater technologies may deserve priority in virtue of their positive contribution to circular economy. Drawbacks such as groundwater and soil contamination due to wastewater reuse and the release of pollutants from fertilized nature-based technologies were identified. Despite their variety, it must be noted that many of these measures have generally involved rather limited portions of campuses, taken more for demonstration or pilot/full-scale research purposes. Additional measures not identified in the current review—for instance the prevention of pollution from micropollutants and waste mismanagement—should be implemented to boost HEIs’ environmental sustainability. The findings of this review pave the way for a more structured implementation of water sustainability measures in university campuses. Full article

Water scarcity is an increasingly critical global issue, particularly in arid regions like Morocco. Innovative approaches, such as the use of alternative water sources like landfill leachate, offer promising solutions. In this study, phosphate washing sludge was used to treat landfill leachate with the aim of producing irrigation-quality water and recovering nitrogen from the resulting sediment. A total of 40 L of raw leachate was treated with three concentrations of phosphate washing sludge (25%, 37%, and 50%). This volume was processed at the laboratory scale as a proof of concept for potential larger-scale applications. After 24 to 36 h of mixing and agitation, the mixture underwent sedimentation, yielding clear supernatants and nitrogen-rich sludge pellets. These pellets showed a significant increase in organic matter content, from 6.4% to 13.5%, representing an enhancement of 110.9%, thus demonstrating partial leachate depollution and organic matter enrichment. Microbiological analyses revealed a 98.9% reduction in fecal streptococci. The supernatants met irrigation water standards in terms of pH and electrical conductivity, and phytotoxicity tests on maize seeds confirmed their suitability for irrigation. Additionally, the recovered nitrogen-rich sediment presents a valuable input for composting and soil amendment. Full article

Climate change and increasing water scarcity are driving the need for resilient and fit-for-purpose urban water management. This study presents a case from Lisbon, Portugal, where twenty-one groundwater sources were evaluated as potential alternative supplies for emergency drinking and non-potable uses. Between 2018 and 2022, 127 samples were analyzed for microbiological (Escherichia coli, enterococci, fecal coliforms, heterotrophic plate count, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila, physicochemical and fungal parameters (filamentous and yeast), alongside with microbial source tracking (MST) to determine contamination origins. Most sites showed exceedances of fecal indicators and heterotrophic bacteria, making water unsuitable for direct consumption without treatment, while fungi were ubiquitous and often above proposed guidance levels, highlighting a major regulatory gap. MST results indicated that human-derived contamination was rare and highly localized. Physicochemical parameters generally met legal thresholds, although occasional nitrate or salinity elevations reflected agricultural or coastal influences. Several sources were considered suitable for irrigation (EF, CC, AB, VF, and BS) whilst a subset met the criteria for potable supply with minimal treatment for risk management (CG, MM, CC, QC, EB, GR, PO, and MS). The findings of this study demonstrate that systematic, multiparametric assessment supports adaptive water allocation and emergency planning, aligning with EU regulations and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 6. The study argues for reconsideration of current microbiological standards, to improve public health protection in urban water reuse and emergency supply strategies. Full article

In recent years, non-conventional water (NCW) has been providing a promising alternative against increasing water scarcity in the Mediterranean. However, little work is available regarding the socioeconomic effects of its use. The purpose of this study is to present the effects of different levels of availability of irrigation water on four different Mediterranean areas relevant to the valorization of NCW. The analysis is based on technical and economic data from four Mediterranean Living Labs (LLs): one in Italy, one in Spain, one in Egypt and one transboundary between Tunisia and Algeria. The methodological approach is based on different versions of mathematical programming (linear programming, parametric programming, multi-objective programming). The results of the analysis showed that future scenarios of water deficiencies will have serious implications on the cropping pattern and will severely affect certain farm types, equally affecting employment, incomes and input use. Full article

Oil production generates approximately 250 million barrels of produced water (PW) daily, nearly three times the volume of oil, with salinity levels reaching up to 300,000 ppm. Improper management of this wastewater causes significant environmental degradation, including soil salinization and aquatic toxicity. To address these impacts, this study applies circular economy (CE) principles to PW management through flash vaporization and resource recovery. Implementing this approach enables 85–90% water recovery and reduces salinity to below 1000 ppm, allowing reuse for irrigation. Simultaneously, residual brine processed via evaporation ponds yields 15–25% potash (KCl) and 30–40% halite (NaCl), thereby transforming waste into valuable products. As a result, the integrated CE process can reduce wastewater disposal by 80%, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25–30%, and lower treatment costs by 20–35%, while generating additional revenue of $150–300 per ton of recovered potash. These outcomes demonstrate that adopting CE strategies in PW management not only mitigates environmental degradation but also strengthens economic resilience and resource efficiency. The framework offers a scalable pathway for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and 12) and advancing sustainability within the oil and gas industry. Full article

Winery wastewater, characterized by high organic load, fluctuating pH, and seasonal variability, presents a major environmental challenge for sustainable water management in viticulture regions. Recent advances in bio-based polymer composites, particularly those incorporating cellulose and chitosan matrices blended with synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), provide promising possibilities for effective wastewater treatment and water reuse in irrigation. This review critically explores the synthesis, structural properties, and functional performance of cellulose/chitosan-based composites, with a particular emphasis on their adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradability in the context of winery effluent treatment. Evidence from recent laboratory- and pilot-scale studies highlights the significance of pH-responsive functional groups, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding in controlling pollutant capture and regeneration efficiency. While notable removal efficiencies of these composites have been demonstrated to exceed 85–95% for COD, 80–98% for turbidity, and >90% for heavy metals, challenges remain in terms of regeneration, long-term field applicability, and scale-up. Overall, biopolymer composites represent a promising pathway toward sustainable wastewater treatment and irrigation reuse in winery operations. Full article

Clogging is a major constraint to the agricultural reuse of produced water; however, ultra-low-frequency dynamic electronic pulses (EPs) can help control biofouling in drip emitters. This study aimed to evaluate the reduction in clogging in non-self-compensating emitters applying onshore oil-and-gas-produced water treated with EP. Three experimental benches were assembled using drip irrigation units supplied with different water sources: water supply (WS), produced water with EP (OPW + EP), and produced water without treatment (OPW). Hydraulic performance was monitored every 40 h for 400 h using average flow rate variation (AFVR), flow variation coefficient (FVC), and distribution uniformity (UD) indices. Data were analyzed using RT-1 analysis with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results showed that the interaction between water sources and evaluation times significantly (p ≤ 0.01) affected the hydraulic indices. After 400 h, the indices ranked as UD and FVC: WS > OPW + EP > OPW, and AFVR: OPW + EP = WS > OPW. Although OPW presented a low risk of clogging, the application of EP mitigated the obstruction and maintained higher uniformity by reducing clogging. These findings demonstrate that ultra-low-frequency electronic pulses are an innovative anti-clogging technology and provide insights for the sustainable application of produced water. Full article

The slaughterhouse-treated effluent, enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, presents a promising alternative for water and nutrient reuse in irrigated crop systems. This study assessed the chemical composition of the effluent, nutrient dynamics in the soil, and agronomic performance of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) under fertigation. A randomized block design was used, with five treatments (tap water—control—and four effluent levels: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) applied to two crop species, with four replications. The effluent exhibited elevated concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen (43.9 ± 18.7 mg L⁻¹), and potassium (13.1 ± 3.8 mg L⁻¹), confirming its potential as a nutrient source. No significant differences were observed in soybean plant height across treatments, whereas early-stage sorghum growth showed only slight variation. Irrigation with treated effluent successfully replaced 100% of tap water in both soybean and sorghum, with no significant differences in productivity across concentrations. These results demonstrate the agronomic feasibility of using treated effluent as a substitute for tap water and synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, they highlight its potential as a sustainable input for fertigation, contributing to resource efficiency and promoting more integrated and environmentally conscious agricultural practices. Full article

Mediterranean cities are increasingly exposed to climate hazards, water scarcity, and social vulnerabilities, demanding integrative approaches for sustainable regeneration. This study examines how participatory governance and co-design processes can shape nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate resilience in Barrios Altos, a socially and environmentally fragile district of Lorca, Spain. Within the framework of the NATUR-W project, the interventions reimagine a degraded hillside and adjacent public spaces into a multifunctional urban forest, complemented by green retrofits of social housing and the adaptive reuse of a historic prison. Methods combined baseline community assessments, stakeholder mapping, co-design workshops, and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder governance board, ensuring inclusive participation from residents, civil society, and municipal authorities. Results demonstrate that the co-created design addressed key community priorities—such as shade provision, safe accessibility, cultural venues, and child-friendly spaces—while integrating sustainable water management systems for irrigation and stormwater control. The participatory process enhanced local ownership, balanced technical feasibility with community aspirations, and fostered governance structures that increase transparency and accountability. Overall, the study illustrates how NbS, when embedded in collaborative governance frameworks, can deliver climate, social, and cultural co-benefits while advancing resilient, inclusive, and human-scale urban environments. Full article

Hungary faces increasing water challenges, including frequent droughts and a growing dependence on irrigation, which necessitate alternative water sources for agriculture. This study evaluated the use of saline aquaculture effluent—characterized by elevated sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) concentrations—as an irrigation resource for forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) over four consecutive growing seasons. Three hybrids (‘GK Áron’, ‘GK Balázs’, and ‘GK Erik’) were tested under five irrigation regimes, including freshwater and aquaculture effluent applied via drip irrigation at weekly doses of 30 mm and 45 mm, alongside a non-irrigated control. Effluent irrigation at 30 mm weekly increased biomass yield by up to 61% and enhanced nitrogen uptake by 22% compared to the control. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) values remained below 475 µS/cm, with effluent treatments showing lower EC than non-irrigated plots. The effluent water also supported the recycling of nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus. Unlike conventional saline water, aquaculture effluent contains organic compounds and microbial activity that may improve nutrient mobilization and uptake. Our results highlight how we can reuse aquaculture wastewater in irrigated crop production. The results demonstrate that moderate effluent irrigation (30 mm/week) can optimize crop water use while maintaining soil health, offering a viable strategy for forage sorghum production in water-limited environments. Full article

The use of reclaimed water is crucial to prevent pollution from wastewater discharges and mitigate the water deficit faced by irrigation districts or other non-potable water users. Therefore, the zero-discharge strategy represents a significant challenge for coastal cities affected by marine pollution from effluents. In regions such as the Mediterranean arc, agricultural areas located near these cities are increasingly exposed to reduced water allocations or rising irrigation demands due to the impacts of climate change. To address this dual challenge, a circular system is proposed through the implementation of hybrid treatment technologies that enable zero wastewater discharge into the sea. This approach would contribute up to 30 hm³ of reclaimed water annually for irrigation, covering approximately 27,000 hectares of cropland in the province of Alicante. The proposed system integrates advanced techniques, such as reverse osmosis, to ensure irrigation water quality, while also considering partial blending strategies to optimize resource use. Additionally, constructed wetlands are incorporated to regulate and treat the reject streams produced by these processes, minimizing their environmental impact. This combined strategy enhances water reuse efficiency, strengthens agricultural resilience, and provides a sustainable model for managing water resources in coastal Mediterranean regions. Full article