Environmental impact of wastewater irrigation in central Mexico: An overview

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Abstract
The current knowledge on the environmental impact and public health risks associated with wastewater irrigation in central Mexico is summarized and discussed. Wastewater reuse in that semiarid region represents a valuable resource in agricultural production, due to the irrigation supply and considerable nutrients input to the farming soil. Nevertheless, there is evidence of increased prevalence of parasitic infections among agricultural workers and their families exposed to raw wastewater irrigation. Negative environmental effects may result from long‐term wastewater application, due to heavy metal accumulation in soils, increasing amounts of immediately mobile and easily mobilizable metal fractions, as well as crops uptake. First investigations carried out on soil fertility suggest the occurrence of important nitrogen losses, which could represent potential risks to public health induced by elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwater. Emphasis is given on future research priorities and measures that have to be taken for minimizing public health risks and environmental pollution.

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