Slovenia eyes treated wastewater for irrigation to combat scarcity

Slovenia is exploring the reuse of treated wastewater as a significant measure to combat water scarcity and reduce environmental pollution. Nataša Atanasova from the Institute for Health Hydromechanics at the Faculty of Civil and Surveying Engineering highlighted the benefits of this approach.

"Treated wastewater is a constant and predictable water source, unaffected by droughts, making it highly suitable for agricultural irrigation," Atanasova explained. This method not only decreases the load on the environment by reducing effluent from treatment plants but also conserves precious natural water resources. It is particularly advantageous for areas near water sources, minimizing the need for extensive water supply infrastructure.

However, researchers, including those from the Jožef Stefan Institute, are investigating ways to improve wastewater treatment technologies to remove micro-pollutants. These contaminants, stemming from pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, and pesticides, are not fully eliminated by current treatment plants. There is a concern that they could transfer to crops through irrigation and accumulate in the soil over time, posing potential risks.