Sediment Retention Efficiency of Synthetic Filter Fabrics

Abstract

ABSTRACT IMPROVED land management practices are needed to reduce the excessive erosion resulting from rapidly changing land use. Several researchers have successfully used synthetic filter fabrics as soil retention barriers in subsurface drainage applications. Hence, synthetic filter fabrics have the potential to remove suspended soil particles resulting from erosion. Six synthetic filter fabrics were investigated for particle retention and water transmissibility when subjected to a flowing soil suspension. Four replicate tests were performed with sand, coarse silt, and silt-clay soil suspensions. All fabrics successfully removed sand particles (> 75 ^m) from suspension. Various amounts of coarse silt particles (75 to 37 jLtm) were removed by the fabrics tested and these filter fabrics were generally ineffective filters of silt-clay particles (< 37 jLtm). When significant quantities of soil particles were retained, filter clogging reduced each fabric's ability to transmit water. Hence, a definite compromise exists between a filter fabric's ability to remove soil particles while transmitting water flow.