Rapid-infiltration research at Flushing Meadows Project, Arizona

Abstract

The Flushing Meadows Project in Arizona was initiated to investigate the feasibility of using wastewater for irrigation and the effects of infiltration on water quality. The results of the second phase of this 10 yr study, focusing on maximization of nitrogen removal and reduction of hydraulic loading, are discussed. Infiltration rates employed in this phase were 0.3-1 m/d, using a water depth of 0.3 m in the six experimental water basins. Removal of dissolved and suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon, and pathogens was monitored. Phosphate removal increased with increasing distance of wastewater movement; 65% of the total nitrogen content was removed. (3 graphs, 1 map, 23 references, 3 tables)