The case for using treated wastewater to support native reforestation

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-08-09 10:22

New Zealand

Image by Merlin Kraus on Unsplash

Irrigating native reforestation projects with treated municipal wastewater could increase wastewater recycling and enhance the growth of native plant species, according to new NZ research. After irrigating a field site in the Banks Peninsula for three years, researchers found there was a negligible effect on the soil chemistry, and no increase in any elements that may pose a risk to humans or ecosystems. Researchers say that as long as the native vegetation is effective in protecting local waterways from excessive nutrient run-off from the wastewater, which poses risks to public health and aquatic ecosystems, this method of reusing wastewater could help tackle multiple environmental challenges in Aotearoa.

Media release

From:

Journal/
conference: Ecological Engineering

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd), Christchurch City Council

Funder: This work was funded by the Christchurch City Council and by the Centre for Integrated Biowaste Research and the Native Ecosystems projects under The Institute of Environmental Science Research Strategic Science Investment Fund from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand [grant number C03X1701]. The lead author gratefully acknowledges the receipt of a University of Canterbury Doctoral Scholarship.

Media Contact/s

Contact details are only visible to registered journalists.