MEPROWARE: novel methodology for the promotion of treated wastewater reuse for mediterranean crops improvement

Over the last number of decades, the decreasing availability of fresh water for the agricultural sector due to climate change and overexploitation of natural resources has raised the popularity of treated wastewater reuse. Wastewater treatment processes have reached high levels of technological advancement, providing treated reclaimed resources for multipurpose, ranging from safe restoration of natural water bodies to drinking standards. However, reuse still encounters resistance as users at different levels are not well informed about the potential use of these waters, the benefits when it comes to nutrient recovery for agriculture, and the range of suitable methodologies for treated wastewater applications. To address this issue and promote treated wastewater reuse, an integrated innovative methodology has been developed, published and applied in three demonstration sites cultivated with olives and grapevines
MEPROWARE introduces an innovative methodology towards treated wastewater reuse specifically addressing well-defined types of crops, agronomic practices, and water constraints that are typical to Mediterranean countries. The idea is to highlight the positive relationships between treated wastewater reuse, plant growth and crop productivity with specific relevance to the Mediterranean area. Acceptance amongst stakeholders has grown through their direct participation and implementation of the proposed methodology. Making nutrient use efficient and treated wastewater reuse practices more acceptable.