Laboratory recharge column experiment

Ho, G., Mathew, K. and Newman, P. (1987) Laboratory recharge column experiment. Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia.

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Abstract

Laboratory column I with 30% RMG, described in last year's report, was operated for a further 11 cycles of 10 days of flooding with secondary effluent and 18 days of drying. Phosphorus removal continued to be excellent (over 96%). Nitrogen removal was poor (16%) due to minimal denitrification.

TRO columns were constructed (A, 30% RMG and B, 20% RMG) and operated with primary effluent to increase organic carbon supply and reduce infiltration rate. Phosphorus removal over three cycles was excellent. Evidence of denitrification in column A Has strong (74%), though ammonium leaching was significant in both columns. Reduction in ammonium leaching by shortening the flooding period should increase nitrogen removal. It is recommended that both columns be operated for a further year to optimize nitrogen
removal.