Abstract
In this study, we determined the effectiveness of removal of nutrients (nitrates and orthophosphates) from greenhouse wastewaters (GW) using non-cross-linked chitosan (CHs) and chitosan cross-linked with epichlorohydrin (CHs-ECH) in the form of hydrogel beads. GW used in the study had the following parameters: N-NO3 621.1 mg/L, P-PO4 60.8 mg/L, SO42− 605.0 mg/L, Cl− 0.9 mg/L, Ca2+ 545.0 mg/L, Mg2+ 178.0 mg/L, K+ 482.0 mg/L, hardness 113° dH, and pH 6.2. The scope of the study included determination of the effect of pH on wastewater composition and effectiveness of nutrient sorption, analyses of nutrient sorption kinetics, and analyses of the effect of sorbent dose on percentage removal of nutrients from GW. CHs-ECH was able to sorb 79.4% of P-PO4 and 76.7% of N-NO3 from GW, whereas CHs to remove 92.8% of P-PO4 and 53.2% of N-NO3.
Highlights
Greenhouse wastewaters (GW) are a special type of agricultural wastewaters that are generated in greenhouses during soilless cultivation of vegetables and fruits
We examined the effectiveness of removal of nitrates and orthophosphates from GW using non-cross-linked chitosan and chitosan cross-linked with epichlorohydrin in the form of hydrogel beads
Considering a negative charge of their ions, sulfates were expected to compete with nitrates and orthophosphates for the sorption centers of chitosan, reducing their sorption effectiveness
Summary
Greenhouse wastewaters (GW) are a special type of agricultural wastewaters that are generated in greenhouses during soilless cultivation of vegetables and fruits. They are mainly composed of a fertilizing medium which leached out from the root growth zone and are rich in nitrates and orthophosphates and poor in organic carbon. Plant fertilization in greenhouses may be conducted in open or closed systems. GW rich in nutrients are collected, supplemented with lacking minerals, and re-used as a fertilizer, while in open systems, they are discharged directly to the ground or—in greenhouses with a concrete floor—to the sewerage system (Dyśko et al 2013).
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