IoT-based monitoring and management system for effluents reuse from table olive processing facilities in olive groves: Toward circular water management

The table olive processing industry generates large volumes of saline effluents, contributing significantly to the water footprint of olive groves. This highlights the potential to reuse effluents for irrigation within a circular economy framework. This study details a framework for operational integration of industry and agriculture, linking the source of effluents with on-farm irrigation management. It focuses on the design, testing, and evaluation of an autonomous system for the classification,storage, and supervised reuse of olive processing effluents in olive groves. Developed as a proof of concept using open-source microcontrollers and low-cost sensors, the system monitors flow and electrical conductivity (EC), allowing for the selective storage of irrigation-suitable fractions (EC<10 dSm-1). On-farm application included prescreening of suitable olive groves and their prioritization, the instrumentation within a selected farm and the automation of irrigation scheduling based on real-time atmosphere, soil and crop status. Results showed that up to 40% of the effluents had EC values suitable for irrigation under controlled application. A spatial prioritization model identified over 80 ha of suitable olive groves within 5 km to the source, characterized by flat terrain and permeable soil for effluent application. A field test demonstrated the system’s capability to automatically and remotely manage irrigation, maintaining favorable soil conditions while mitigating salt accumulation through leaching strategies. This study proposes an adaptable strategy to mitigate industrial environmental impacts while enhancing agricultural productivity. Future research should further evaluate alternative irrigation management and orchard selection criteria, advancing supportive regulatory frameworks and promote stakeholder engagement in implementation. • Wastewater monitorization in olive pickling industry detects a huge variability in quality and quantity of effluents • Real-time wastewater monitoring enables controlled classification and potential reuse in olive groves. • Integrated IoT-based systems support risk assessment for wastewater reuse. • Decision making tools based on digital information and real time data identifies the best possible locations for wastewater reuse and management,