An evaluation of the use of stored water derived from permeable paving systems for irrigation purposes

Ernest O. Nnadi, Alan Newman, Tim Puehmeier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

Experiments are reported in which water from model pervious pavement systems to which oil is added at 24ml per m 2 per week was used to irrigate tomato plants and rye grass. The growth of these plants is compared with plants irrigated with water from untreated rigs and with plants watered with deionised (DI) water. Comparative performance of the plants indicated that far from causing inhibition of the plant growth through the effects of hydrocarbons the excess of nutrients released from the rigs (which had been supplied with nutrients to support biodegradation), were sufficient to produce enhanced plant growth. The minerals in the irrigation solutions seemed not to be contributing to salinisation problems or serious soil structure issues. Whilst this seems to support the use of such waters for irrigation it points towards problems of excess nutrient release if such effluents were released directly to surface waters. This indicates a possible need to reconsider the approaches we make to supporting hydrocarbon biodegradation in pervious pavements.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings 11th International Conference on Urban Draianage
EditorsRichard Ashley
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherIWA Publishing
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Event11th International Conference on Urban Drainage - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 31 Aug 20085 Sept 2008

Conference

Conference11th International Conference on Urban Drainage
Abbreviated title11IUCD
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period31/08/085/09/08

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