Valutazione ex post del recupero e riuso ai fini irrigui di acque reflue della depurazione civile alla scala reale

During the first four years’ operation of the first Emilia-Romagna tertiary treatment plant of urban wastewater (Mancasale, Reggio Emilia), the volumes of recovered wastewater increased from 3.5 million in 2016 up to almost 6 million cubic meters in 2018 and 2019. The average hourly flow rates fluctuated between 1,200-1,400 m3/hour. The results of the chemical-physical and biological analysis confirmed the correct plan functioning, although the levels of sodium, ammoniacal nitrogen and mineral oils showed a greater degree of risk. The farmers were generally satisfied with the actual management of the irrigation service including the recovery of the treated wastewater. Almost all of them did not observe changes in the availability and quality of the irrigation water and perceived advantages rather than risks linked to wastewater recovery for irrigation, proving to be favourable to the spread of this good practice