Fate of organics during soil-aquifer treatment: sustainability of removals in the field.
A 5-year program of study was conducted at the Sweetwater Recharge Facilities (SRF) to assess the performance of surface spreading operations for organics attenuation during field-scale soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) of municipal wastewater. Studies were conducted utilizing both mature (approximately 10 yr old) and new infiltration basins. Removals of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were robust, averaging >90 percent during percolation through the local 37-m vadose zone. The hydrophilic (most polar) fraction of DOC was preferentially removed during SAT; removals were attributed primarily to biodegradation. Reductions in trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) averaged 91 percent across the vadose zone profile. The reactivity (specific THMFP) of post-SAT organic residuals with chlorine decreased slightly from pre-SAT levels (60 vs. 72 microg THM per mg DOC, respectively). Variations in the duration of wetting/drying periods did not significantly impact organic removal efficiencies.
Quanrud
David M
DM
Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. quanrud@email.arizona.edu
Hafer
Jennifer
J
Karpiscak
Martin M
MM
Zhang
Jianmin
J
Lansey
Kevin E
KE
Arnold
Robert G
RG
D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012987:Soil; D022882:Trihalomethanes / Q000032:analysis*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012987:Soil; D022882:Trihalomethanes