Functioning of the Rain Gardens

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and potential benefits of using treated CWWTP effluent for irrigating plants in an urban environment. Four irrigation boxes were set up to assess plant growth and health using different water sources, including river water and treated effluent. Water quality, trace elements, microbiological parameters, and micropollutants were monitored over two seasons. The results demonstrated the viability of using treated effluent for irrigation, as water quality parameters remained within legislative limits, and plant growth and health showed no significant differences between the boxes. Nutrient levels in the treated effluent were higher than in river water, benefiting plant growth. Accumulation of trace elements and micropollutants in plants was minimal and deemed negligible for non-edible plants. In conclusion, the study showed that treated effluent can be a sustainable alternative to conventional drinking water uptake for irrigation, contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach to urban water management.