Page 188 - AJWEP-v22i3

Mounira

and microplastics. Although typically present at trace of treatment efficiency, a dimension often overlooked
levels, these micropollutants can persist in treated in similar investigations. Rather than focusing solely
effluent and pose environmental and health risks, on agronomic benefits or environmental impacts, this
particularly when the water is reused for agriculture. research adopts a balanced perspective, evaluating both
Monitoring these substances requires advanced the nutrient potential of treated effluents for irrigation
analytical techniques, which were beyond the scope and the ecological implications of residual pollutants.
of this study. Future research should prioritize the To reiterate, the findings affirm not only the technical
detection and quantification of such contaminants to and environmental feasibility of wastewater reuse but
provide a more comprehensive assessment of the safety also its strategic importance in integrated water resource
and long-term feasibility of treated wastewater reuse. management for semi-arid regions. The study offers
concrete guidance to policymakers, local authorities,
4. Conclusion and farmers, advocating for the sustainable use of non-
conventional water resources to bolster agricultural
This study presents a comprehensive, year-long productivity and strengthen environmental resilience.
evaluation of the Lagfafe WWTP to assess the feasibility
of treated effluent reuse for agricultural purposes in the Acknowledgments
Maghnia region. Through systematic monitoring and
rigorous statistical analysis, the research demonstrated None.
consistent and significant reductions in key pollutants,
namely COD, BOD 5 , and TSS, with treated effluent Funding
concentrations generally complying with both national
and international irrigation standards. These outcomes None.
confirm the technical viability of wastewater reuse in
semi-arid areas affected by chronic water scarcity. Author contributions
From an operational standpoint, the Lagfafe WWTP
treats an average of 29,400 m wastewater per day, This is a single-authored article.
3
producing approximately 10.73 × 10 m of reusable
3
6
treated water annually. This substantial volume Conflict of interest
represents a promising alternative water source that
could help alleviate the agricultural water crisis currently The author declares there are no conflicts of interest
facing the Maghnia region. In addition, the nutrient-rich with any institute or organization.
composition of the treated effluent provides agronomic
benefits by improving soil fertility and reducing Availability of data
dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Harnessing this
underutilized resource could foster more sustainable Not applicable.
agricultural practices, enhance food security, and
reduce pressure on conventional freshwater supplies. References
Conversely, the continued discharge of treated effluent
into natural waterways particularly toward the Hammam 1. Hedberg A, Pardo R, Frontini A, Daryoush T. Reaching
Boughrara dam poses ecological risks, including for blue goldhow the eu can rise to the water challenge
eutrophication caused by nutrient accumulation. while reaping the rewards. Europe’S Political Economy
This study distinguishes itself from much of the existing and Europe in the World Programmes; 2015.
literature through its methodological rigor and seasonal 2. Jury W, Vaux H. The emerging global water crisis:
comprehensiveness. In contrast to previous research often Managing scarcity and conflict between water users. Adv
Agron. 2007;95:1-76.
limited to short-term or descriptive analyses, this study doi: 10.101/S0065-2113 (07)95001-4
employed inferential statistical methods, specifically 3. Distefano T, Kelly S. Are we in deep water? Water
paired t-tests and 95% CIs, to robustly assess treatment scarcity and its limits to economic growth. Ecol Econ.
performance. This approach strengthens the scientific 2017;142:130-147.
validity and interpretability of the results. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.06.019
Furthermore, by spanning all four seasons, the study 4. Emran GI, Barma R, Khan AH, Roy M. Reasons behind
provides valuable insights into the temporal variability the water crisis and its potential health outcomes. Eur J

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 182 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025120085