The Effects of Raw Wastewater Use on Soil Parameters

Limited water resources makes it inevitable to use unconventional resources including wastewater. Attention to soil characteristics especially in arid and semiarid areas is important when using wastewater for irrigation of crops, because of the ions in solution. Wastewater treatment, consideration of personal hygiene when using wastewater, removal of heavy metals from wastewater, selection of suitable plants, application of appropriate management methods, taking into account the characteristics of wastewater used and the type of soil in which the wastewater is used for irrigation are important issues in the sustainable use of wastewater. Use of raw wastewater may have many adverse effects on soil because of high organic and inorganic compounds and can cause soil degradation, the accumulation of heavy metals, salt and sodium in the soil. Other effects include reduction in the soil hydraulic conductivity, addition of resistant materials to the environment, change in the soil’s pH, reduction of soil permeability etc. In the present study we attempted to evaluate impacts of using raw wastewater on soil parameters and the consequences of this stress and to provide guidelines for solution of the existing problems.