This book provides a comprehensive and highly relevant overview of the many issues involved in the use of treated wastewater (TWW) in irrigated agriculture. The first four chapters address general topics, such as the composition of sewage effluent, important health considerations and other guidelines for the use of TWW in agriculture, and economic aspects. The remaining ten chapters address the impacts on the soil environment and crops. All chapters are written by scientists, most of whom are working in Israel where the use of TWW in agriculture is a necessity.

Several chapters mention the complex nature of the wastewater–soil–plant system, which makes it difficult to assess the outcomes of TWW applications on soils and crops, especially the long-term effects. Three chapters refer to significant, albeit sometimes small, progress in this respect: Chapter 5, on nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and carbonate, Chapter 7, on heavy metals in TWW-irrigated soils, and Chapter 11, on the effect of treated municipal wastewater on soil microbiology. The use of acronyms is widespread and this reader would have liked to see more lists of acronyms as in Chapter 7.

Although water treatment is expensive, irrigation with treated municipal wastewater provides a cost-effective option for recycling of sewage water. The global rise in the use of TTW is driven by the growing competition for freshwater. Tighter restrictions on the disposal of wastewater also contribute to the trend.

This interesting book is recommended reading for scientists, engineers and for graduate teaching.