Lysimeter studies and a two-year field study were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of sprinkler irrigation wastewater treatment as a means of polishing wastewater stabilization lagoon effluent. In the lysimeter study four typical Utah soils were evaluated for their effectiveness in removing total and fecal coliform and fecal streptococcal organisms as well as nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon compounds. The field experiments evaluated the removal efficiencies for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. All four soils used in the lysimeters were effective in removing the three indicator organisms, organic carbon, and suspended and volatile suspended solids. In the field experiments leaching of salts from soils on the drainage farm occurred. The quality of the effluent from the soil wastewater treatment system appeared to be controlled by the characteristics of the drainage farm system. Once equilibrium is established a far superior quality effluent is expected. Phosphorus removal in the field experiments exceeded 80%. The rate of application of irrigation water made no significant difference in the phosphorus removal rate. Evidence of nitrate leaching from the soil was also observed. Ammonia stripping removed approximately 35% of the ammonia when the lagoon effluent was sprayed on the land. Suspended solids removal by soil mantle treatment system was excellent and the suspended solids concentrations in the drainage water from a 1.2 m (4 ft.) deep mole drain contained an average suspended solids concentration of 2 mg/l.

"July 1978." Includes bibliographical references (pages 88-95). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contracrt No. Contract Number: 68-03-0281, Program Element No. 1BC611.