Sustainable Reuse of Agro-Industrial Effluents: Environmental, Agricultural, and Socioeconomic Perspectives

Abstract

Recycling agro-industrial effluents has gained popularity due to the increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, which is in line with SDGs 6 (Clean Water), 12 (Sustainable Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Reusing wastewater is a crucial long-term sustainability tactic since it lowers industrial waste, improves water management, and increases food security and economic resilience. Examining the effects of effluent reuse on soil health, water quality, biodiversity, plant productivity, and seed germination, this chapter examines the environmental, agricultural, social, and economic facets of the practice. It also looks at economic viability and public health issues, emphasizing financial savings and incentives for farmers and businesses. However, dangers of contamination, uneven crop responses, regulatory limitations, and financial uncertainty continue to impede widespread implementation. There are not many comprehensive studies integrating plant productivity, societal acceptance, and economic viability in the literature. A narrative and integrative literature study was carried out to support it, including Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched for pertinent peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and case studies published between 2010 and 2024 using keywords like “agro-industrial effluent,” “treated wastewater,” “soil health,” “germination index,” “plant productivity,” “public health,” and “economic feasibility.” This chapter offers scientific insights, practical case studies, and policy recommendations to assist sustainable agro-industrial waste management using a multidisciplinary approach. For implementation to be successful, cooperation between scientists, legislators, and industry players is crucial.