Managed aquifer recharge: study of undisturbed soil column tests on the infiltration and treatment capacity using effluent of wastewater stabilization pond

Jaqueline Vígolo Coutinho,Florian Walter,Catalin Stefan,Carmem Lúcia Moreira Gadelha,Cristiano Das Neves Almeida,Eduardo Bernardo Da Silva,Gilson Barbosa Athayde Júnior

doi:10.1590/2318-0331.231820180060

Jaqueline Vígolo Coutinho, Florian Walter + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2318-0331.231820180060

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a useful tool for the treatment and use of sewage effluent because it complements conventional treatment, recovers the aquifer and minimizes risk of saltwater intrusion. This study aims to investigate technical data to determine the treatment of wastewater stabilization pond effluent using undisturbed soil columns collected from a coastal watershed study area within the BRAMAR (BRAzil Managed Aquifer Recharge) project. The treatment efficiency was monitored by measuring physico-chemical parameters (BOD 5, COD, DOC, TSS, NH3 and NO3) in two columns filled with undisturbed sandy soil in which sewage effluent was infiltrated under unsaturated condition for 72 days with an average input flow of 10 mm h-1. Results indicated reduction greater than 60% of organic matter, suspended solids and ammoniacal nitrogen. However, high concentrations of nitrate in the outflow were detected originating from nitrification of ammoniacal nitrogen. Moreover, difficulties in relation to soil clogging were observed. Furthermore, this study brought relevant contributions to understanding the influence of the infiltration rate and ability to treat effluent from wastewater stabilization ponds using undisturbed soil columns. Future research should be undertaken to improve the pretreatment methods and the operation of a MAR system in the study area.

Highlights

Several studies have been performed in arid and semi-arid regions with the aim of creating alternatives to attenuate the social and environmental problems related to water scarcity
This study aims to investigate the soil infiltration capacity and treatment process that the effluent of a facultative stabilization pond undergoes in undisturbed soil columns
This was the consequence of the clogging phenomenon that began to dominate in the soil column, making the interruption of feeding necessary

Summary

Introduction

Several studies have been performed in arid and semi-arid regions with the aim of creating alternatives to attenuate the social and environmental problems related to water scarcity. Regarding the use of treated wastewater, Sautchúk et al (2004) have stated that the investment in this option has been growing from 1990s, driven by increasingly stringent environmental requirements and costs associated to the effluent’s treatment and appropriate framework of effluent quality to be discharged into water bodies. A promising effluent use option is through the application to soil infiltration basins, which can both reduce the environmental risks associated with direct release of effluent into water bodies and provide aquifer recharge. This is one of the driving concepts of the Managed Aquifer Recharge - MAR (KANAREK; MICHAIL, 1996; VANDERZALM et al, 2015; SCANLON et al 2016; WANG et al, 2018). They found monetary values less than those needed to build dam for surface reservoirs (about 75% less) and for drilling wells (about 75% less)

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