Evaluation of conservation drainage systems in Illinois - Bioreactors

Siddhartha Verma, Rabin Bhattarai, Gregory Goodwin, Richard Cooke, Jong Ahn Chun

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Intensive cropping patterns coupled with the increased usage of fertilizers and pesticides in Midwestern United States have contributed to the formation of a hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Bioreactors are in-situ bioremediation systems which can be used to treat agricultural contaminants in the water from subsurface (tile) drained systems. Over the past few years researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign have installed and monitored several bioreactor sites in Eastern and Central Illinois. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of field scale bioreactors in removing nitrates from tile drain systems. The results are indicative that bioreactors are extremely effective in removing nitrates from tile discharge and can play a part in improving water quality from tile drained areas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2010, ASABE 2010
PublisherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Pages5813-5822
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9781617388354
StatePublished - 2010

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2010, ASABE 2010
Volume7

Keywords

  • Bio-remediation
  • Bioreactor
  • Conservation drainage
  • Nitrate
  • Water quality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)

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