Risk assessment of reclaimed water reuse (Jordan)

The main objective of this research was to assess the risks associated with the reuse of reclaimed water for agriculture focusing on selected pharmaceutical emerging contaminants (Carbamazepine, Diclofenac, Erythromycin, and Sulfamethoxazole) detected in considerable concentrations in the reuse supply chain of Deir Alla, Jordan Valley Jordan. Based on the risk assessment, a risk management strategy was devised. It employed the semi-quantitative risk assessment and the Threshold of Toxicological Concern approach, integrated within the broad risk assessment modules of WHO’s sanitation safety planning. Four out of six hazardous events were found to be risky for human health. First, consumption of tomato crops contaminated with sulfamethoxazole showed a high-risk exposure. There is also a high risk of multidrug resistance development in humans through exposure to PC-contaminated reclaimed water sources. Other moderate to high-risk events included ingestion of pharmaceutical compounds via contaminated irrigation water or meat. Most projections of future developments indicate increased risks from pharmaceuticals in wastewater. The suggested risk management strategy suggests critical focus areas for the short, medium, and long-term management of risks including consumer and farmer- focused risk prevention, a strong research base on pharmaceutical manifestation, and considering advanced wastewater treatment options.