Wastewater treatment and reuse in the Middle East: Sustaining agriculture in water-scarce regions

Water scarcity is a defining challenge for countries across the Middle East. With arid climates, limited freshwater resources, and growing populations, the pressure on water supplies has reached critical levels. In response, many nations in the region are increasingly turning to wastewater treatment and reuse as a sustainable solution—especially in agriculture, where water demand is high. Recycled wastewater, when properly treated, can support hydroponic systems, fruit orchards, and vegetable cultivation, offering a lifeline to food security and environmental sustainability.

As Middle Eastern nations continue to grapple with severe water scarcity, wastewater reuse remains a cornerstone strategy for sustaining agricultural production. Among the array of advanced treatment technologies available, ozonation—a powerful oxidation process—holds significant promise for enhancing the quality and safety of treated wastewater, particularly when used for sensitive applications like fruit and vegetable irrigation and hydroponic farming.

The role of wastewater reuse in Agriculture

Wastewater reuse involves collecting and treating domestic, industrial, and municipal wastewater to a standard that allows it to be safely applied for irrigation and other non-potable purposes. In the Middle East, this practice is particularly important, as agriculture consumes up to 80% of total water use in some countries. Recycled water presents a reliable and renewable source that can substitute or supplement freshwater.

Why ozonation is ideal for the Middle East?

1. High efficiency in pathogen removal
   In regions where waterborne diseases can be a concern, ozonation provides a chemical-free, high-performance solution to disinfect water without generating harmful by-products like chlorinated organics. This makes it ideal for irrigating leafy greens and fruit-bearing plants such as tomatoes, cabbage, squash, mangoes, and citrus fruits.
2. Safe for hydroponic systems
   Hydroponic farming, widely adopted in the UAE and other Gulf nations, demands ultra-pure, low-residue water to avoid root damage and maintain nutrient balance. Ozonation ensures water is not only free of microbes but also reduces organic load, minimizing biofilm and clogging in nutrient delivery systems.
3. Environmental and health safety
   Unlike chlorine, ozone naturally decomposes back into oxygen, leaving no chemical residues in the water or soil. This makes it a safer option for producing vegetables consumed raw, such as cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes, aligning with food safety standards.
4. Odor and taste neutralization
   In areas where public perception of recycled water is a barrier, ozonation significantly improves the sensory quality of treated water. This is particularly important in urban or peri-urban agriculture projects where treated water is used near residential areas.
5. Enhanced nutrient retention
   Ozonation doesn’t strip water of essential macro- and micronutrients, which means treated wastewater retains beneficial elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—key nutrients for crop growth. This can support fertigation systems in mango orchards or large-scale eggplant cultivation.

Leading Middle Eastern initiatives

1. Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in wastewater infrastructure. Treated wastewater is used for landscape irrigation and increasingly in agriculture. Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have advanced treatment plants producing tertiary treated water, which supports the irrigation of citrus orchards and vegetable farms. Ozonation is being considered for upgrading wastewater quality in the Eastern Province, particularly for use in fruit tree cultivation and greenhouse vegetables.

2. United Arab Emirates:
The UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has embraced wastewater reuse as part of its integrated water management strategy. Treated water is used for cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens in controlled-environment agriculture and hydroponic systems, reducing reliance on desalinated water. Ozonation is being integrated into advanced tertiary treatment systems in Abu Dhabi to enhance water quality for hydroponic lettuce and tomato farms. Pilot projects show reduced microbial loads and increased shelf life of produce.

3. Jordan:
Facing one of the most severe water shortages globally, Jordan recycles more than 90% of its wastewater—an international benchmark. The As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant is a flagship project, providing treated water for the Jordan Valley, where it irrigates mango groves, olive trees, and vegetable fields including eggplant and squash. Research collaborations between universities and wastewater treatment plants are exploring low-energy ozonation units for reuse in vegetable farming, including cabbage and squash.

4. Israel:
Though not part of the Gulf region, Israel is a global leader in water reuse, recycling over 85% of its wastewater. Much of this goes to agricultural areas growing citrus fruits and vegetables like cabbage, eggplant, and squash. Israel’s success has served as a model for many Middle Eastern countries.

5. Oman:
The country has launched initiatives using ozonated wastewater to irrigate citrus plantations in the Dhofar region, helping maintain fruit quality while minimizing freshwater use.

Ozone applications in Agriculture

Hydroponics and controlled-environment Agriculture

Hydroponic farming, which uses nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil, is gaining ground in the region due to its efficient use of water. Treated wastewater—after additional filtration and disinfection—can be safely reused in hydroponic systems. In the UAE, rooftop farms and vertical hydroponic systems grow lettuce, basil, tomatoes, and cucumbers using reclaimed water.

Fruit cultivation

Reclaimed wastewater is used to irrigate mango and citrus orchards, especially in Jordan and Oman. These fruits require moderate to high water volumes, and treated wastewater provides a sustainable solution while supplying essential nutrients that enhance plant growth.

Vegetable production

Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, cabbage, and squash are widely grown using recycled water. These crops are sensitive to water quality, and the use of tertiary or advanced treated water ensures safety and productivity. Farmers often report higher yields due to the consistent availability of irrigation water enriched with organic nutrients.

Wastewater reuse with an ozone generator (مولد الأوزون) is no longer an option but a necessity in the Middle East. With advancements in treatment technologies and growing acceptance among farmers, treated wastewater is transforming agriculture in one of the driest regions on Earth. As Middle Eastern countries seek resilient, climate-smart solutions to address their water crisis, ozonation offers a high-value, low-residue method to elevate wastewater quality. From supporting hydroponic farms in the UAE to mango orchards in Jordan, ozonated water can play a crucial role in ensuring that agriculture thrives even in the most water-stressed environments.

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