ATTENUATION OF MICROORGANISMS IN THE SOIL DURING DRIP IRRIGATION WITH WASTE STABILIZATION POND EFFLUENT

The purpose of this work was to examine the fate of microorganisms (faecal coliforms, F+, and somatic coliphages and helminth eggs) from waste stabilization pond (WSP) effluent used for irrigation of a vineyard orchard, under onsurface (ODI) and subsurface drip (SDI) systems. The soil and water samples were taken during the irrigation periods of two consecutive years (1997 and 1998). The results showed a substantial elemination of microorganisms in the soil, decreasing negative impacts, and minimising environmental and health risks.