Browsing by Author "Vaz-Moreira, Ivone"
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- Irrigation with Treated Wastewater: Potential Impacts on Microbial Function and Diversity in Agricultural SoilsPublication . Lopes, Ana Rita; Becerra-Castro, Cristina; Vaz-Moreira, Ivone; Silva, Elisabete; Nunes, Olga; Manaia, CéliaThe reuse of treated wastewater could be a promising measure to attenuate the water scarcity burden. In agriculture, irrigation with wastewater may contribute to improve production yields, reduce the ecological footprint and promote socioeconomic benefits. However, it cannot be considered exempt of adverse consequences in environmental and human health. Apart from the introduction of some biological and chemical hazardous agents, the disturbance of the indigenous soil microbial communities and, thus, of vital soil functions impacting soil fertility may occur. The consequences of these disturbances are still poorly understood. This chapter summarises the physicochemical and microbiological alterations in soil resultant from irrigation with treated wastewater that are described in scientific literature. These alterations, which involve a high complexity of variables (soil, wastewater, climate, vegetal cover), may have impacts on soil quality and productivity. In addition, possible health risks may arise, in particular through the direct or indirect contamination of the food chain with micropollutants, pathogens or antibiotic resistance determinants. The current state of the art suggests that irrigation with treated wastewater may have a multitude of long-term implications on soil productivity and public health. Although further research is needed, it seems evident that the analysis of risks associated with irrigation with treated wastewater must take into account not only the quality of water, but other aspects as diverse as soil microbiota, soil type or the cultivated plant species.
- Wastewater reuse in irrigation: A microbiological perspective on implications in soil fertility and human and environmental healthPublication . Becerra-Castro, Cristina; Lopes, Ana Rita; Vaz-Moreira, Ivone; Silva, Elisabete; Manaia, Célia; Nunes, OlgaThe reuse of treated wastewater, in particular for irrigation, is an increasingly common practice, encouraged by governments and of fi cial entities worldwide. Irrigation with wastewater may have implications at two different levels:alterthephysicochemicalandmicrobiologicalpropertiesofthesoiland/orintroduceandcontributetothe accumulation of chemical and biological contaminants in soil. The fi rst may affect soil productivity and fertility; the second may pose serious risks to the human and environmental health. The sustainable wastewater reuse in agriculture should prevent both typesofeffects,requiring a holisticand integratedrisk assessment. Inthis article wecriticallyreviewpossible effects of irrigation with treatedwastewater, with special emphasison soil microbi- ota. The maintenance of a rich and diversi fi ed autochthonous soil microbiota and the use of treated wastewater with minimal levels of potential soil contaminants are proposed as sine qua non conditions to achieve a sustain- able wastewater reuse for irrigation.