| Abstract |
Although vines are among the least water-intensive crops, the availability and accessibility of good-quality natural water resources, comprising groundwater, stagnant surface water ( lakes and artificial reservoirs created by dams), flowing surface water ( rivers) and sea water, remain an issue. In this context, reuse of treated wastewater ( RTW) offers an alternative resource that has substantial advantages: it can mitigate water shortages, help conserve natural resources and play a part in the circular water economy. Some types of RTW may contain valuable nutrients for plants, but they may also contain high concentrations of dissolved salts. Given that, in the event of low rainfall, excess sodium and chloride resulting from irrigation with some types of water from natural sources or RTW are not leached from the soil, it is vital to obviate any increase in soil salinity. This paper looks at the technologies by which salt levels in irrigation water can be reduced. The membrane techniques studied: reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and electrodialysis are subjected to technical and economic comparisons. In the context of water quality management and a circular economy approach to resources motivated by both technical and economic considerations, electrodialysis can substantially reduce electricity consumption and operating costs. In this case it can therefore be seen as an agricultural water treatment technology that stands the test of sustainability and is reliable and fit for purpose. |
