You are here:
SPRINKLER IRRIGATION AS A VOC SEPARATION AND DISPOSAL METHOD
Citation:
Richardson*, T AND A Kern*. SPRINKLER IRRIGATION AS A VOC SEPARATION AND DISPOSAL METHOD. EPA/540/R-98/502, 1998.
Impact/Purpose:
Information
Description:
Sprinkler irrigation is a common farming practice in those states where the semi-arid climate and lack of sufficient rainfall during critical growing periods necessitate the use of supplemental water. The source of most irrigation water is groundwater which can be contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since the groundwater may be the primary or only source of drinking water for a community, there is a need for reasonable cost-effective treatment and disposal methods. Typically, groundwater contaminated with VOCs is remediated with conventional pump and treat technologies. The cost associated with conventional pump and treat options can be significant. Because irrigation is a fairly widespread practice, there is an opportunity to employ it as a dual function technology--crop irrigation and treatment and disposal of contaminated groundwater-- and, thereby augment conventional treatment and effect cost savings. Results and activities of the demonstration of sprinkler irrigation technology for the treatment and disposal of groundwater contaminated with VOCs are detailed in this report.