A Constructed Wetland System for Water Quality Improvement of Nursery Irrigation Wastewater
Most nurseries use agri-chemicals in their operations to obtain maximum production from their crops. Not all of these chemicals are utilized by the crops. Irrigation wastewater and natural runoff can carry nutrients and agri-chemicals to an off-site waterbody or into the groundwater. This contributes to non-point source pollution and can lead to eutrophication of streams, reservoirs, and other bodies of water. It can also contaminate the groundwater. Eutrophication often results in undesirable aquatic plant growth (Hammer, 1989). However, the nutrient-laden water can be diverted into a relatively small area where a treatment system has been established. The system resembles and functions like a natural wetland to remove nutrients, sediment, and other contaminants before the water returns to surface or ground water.
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Details
Author(s): J. Chris Hoag
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 1997
Event:
Western Forest and Conservation Nursery Association
1997 - Boise, ID