Simulation of soil aquifer treatment - determination of reliable water quality benefits and process mechanisms
- Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States); and others
Significant improvements in water quality are obtained during percolation of municipal wastewater through the vadose zone, and eventually mixes with native ground water. Dissolved organics, nitrogen species, and pathogens present in the effluent are removed (or transformed) during percolation and storage by a combination of biological, chemical, and physical processes (biodegradation and adsorption being the most important) in the vadose zone and subsequently in the aquifer (saturated zone). Most treatment benefits are achieved during percolation through the vadose zone. Recharge basins are typically operated under alternating wet and dry cycles. During flooding, a clogging layer develops at the soil surface due to the combined effects of algal growth, suspended solids deposition, and bacterial growth in soil pore spaces. This clogging layer, or schmutzdecke, impedes wastewater infiltration. Drying cycles re-establish rates by allowing the soils surface to dry and crack apart.
- OSTI ID:
- 387296
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-951108-; TRN: 96:003589-0021
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Water quality technology conference, New Orleans, LA (United States), 12-16 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings: 1995 water quality technology conference. Part I - Sunday seminars through Session 3E includes poster presentations. Part II - Session 4A through ST7; PB: 2562 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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