Synthetic- and bio-polymer use for runoff water quality management in irrigated agriculture

摘要

Low concentrations of synthetic- or bio-polymers, in irrigation water can nearly eliminate sediment, N, ortho- and total-P, DOM, pesticides, micro-organ isms, and weed seed from runoff. These environmentally safe polymers are employed in various sensitive uses including food processing, animal feeds, and potable water purification. The most common synthetic polymer is anionic, high purity polyacrylamide (PAM), which typically provides 70-90% contaminant elimination. Excellent results are achieved adding only 10 ppm PAM to irrigation water, applying 1 - 2 kg ha(-1) per irrigation, costing