Advancing Sustainable Water Management: The Role of Treated Wastewater in Groundwater Recharge amid Climate Change

Abstract

Water scarcity is worsening worldwide due to climate change, population growth, and excessive groundwater extraction, with arid regions most affected. In areas such as northern Nigeria, declining aquifers and erratic rainfall intensify vulnerability. Treated wastewater reuse through managed aquifer recharge (MAR) offers a climate-resilient and sustainable solution by replenishing groundwater while advancing circular economy principles. This study conducts a systematic review of recent empirical evidence (2015–2025) following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate technological performance, environmental risks, socio-institutional barriers, and climate adaptation potential of treated wastewater recharge in arid contexts. Searches across Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed yielded 85 records, of which 42 met inclusion criteria for thematic analysis using NVivo. The review is conceptually grounded in the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) framework, enabling multidimensional assessment of environmental integrity, public health safeguards, and socio-economic viability. Findings indicate that Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) systems can achieve pathogen and nutrient removal efficiencies approaching 90% under optimized operational conditions. Geochemical modeling highlights risks of mineral precipitation and soil pore clogging, yet also identifies agronomic co-benefits through nutrient retention. Case evidence from arid regions demonstrates measurable reductions in projected water deficits under climate warming scenarios. However, persistent challenges include microbial contamination risks, regulatory fragmentation, high capital costs, and limited institutional capacity in developing countries. The study concludes that treated wastewater recharge represents a technically feasible and climate-adaptive water management solution when supported by stringent treatment standards, hybrid purification technologies, continuous hydrogeochemical monitoring, and robust community engagement. For countries such as Nigeria, piloting MAR systems within an IWRM framework offers a pathway toward groundwater resilience and long-term water security.