Occupational health risks for farmers reusing treated wastewater (India)

Wastewater effluent reuse, comprising 30% of rural Indian irrigation, mitigates water scarcity and supports crop cultivation. However, challenges persist, requiring effective treatment, quality monitoring, and risk assessments. An exploratory study involved eight farming families practicing treated wastewater effluent reuse, aiming to describe practices, assess seasonal effluent quality, and evaluate occupational health risks. In the village, three seasons are recognized: Summer, Monsoon, and Winter. Summer and Monsoon activities have minor disparities, but Monsoon differs significantly due to distinct crop practices.

Women handle crop farming and household duties, adolescent boys (12-18 years) engage in fieldwork, while children under 12 appear uninvolved. Monsoon is associated with poorer effluent quality, elevated E. coli levels, and higher occupational risks, including exposure to microorganisms, chemicals, and poor postures. Animal husbandry exposes individuals to wastewater, and household tasks near animals increase indoor contamination risks. Additional risks include consuming waterlogged field products and unhygienic milk. Women face higher quantity-based but similar intensity risks compared to men. Future studies should consider both agricultural and animal husbandry activities, emphasizing gender-sensitive occupational risk assessments, given that staying at home does not eliminate effluent exposure due to animal-related transport indoors.