Impacts of wastewater use in agriculture on health and environment

Urbanization, a promoter of economic development also produces large quantity of wastewater, which has become a major source of irrigation in several countries. Indeed, use of wastewater in agriculture is increasing particularly in water scarce rural areas adjacent to urban areas. Wastewater flow in natural drains and application in agriculture cause health and environmental impacts, besides economic returns to farmers. Present study examined health and environmental impacts of wastewater use in agriculture in rural areas adjacent Bangalore City in Karnataka. The study observed that urban wastewater application caused health and environmental impacts.