Wilson, Cierra

Title:
Reclaimed Water Irrigation: A Comparison of Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy Between Irrigated and Natural Drainage Sites, Flagstaff, AZ

Abstract:
Reclaimed water is the result of the filtration, purification, and recycling of wastewater. It is useful in water conservation efforts as it allows for natural water sources to be saved. In Flagstaff, reclaimed water makes up 20% of the city's yearly water usage. It is used as an irrigation source for schools, fields, golf courses, and since 2002, it has provided artificial snow for Arizona Snowbowl. The reclaimed water within Flagstaff undergoes a thorough filtration process to remove as many contaminants and solid waste as possible, resulting in class A+ water. The water is tested regularly for quality in order to ensure public safety and has been approved for use by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. However, the soil to which the water is applied is not subject to similar testing. As a result, the effects of reclaimed water on Flagstaff's subalpine soils are unknown. This raises the question: what are the impacts of application of reclaimed waters, especially those with high nutrient concentrations relative to natural precipitation, on Flagstaff's soils? Flagstaff, as a regional leader in water conservation and reuse, can provide valuable information to other municipalities seeking to better utilize their wastewater.
This research focuses on the comparison of the chemistry and mineralogy between soils subjected to reclaimed water and those subjected to natural sources of water. The chemistry and mineralogy of both groups has been determined through x-ray diffraction, nutrient extraction, cation exchange capacity, pH analysis, and electrical conductivity testing.

Follow-Up Friday:
Yes
1:00-1:30 PM (GST-7/PDT)

Interested in attending a student's Follow-Up Friday session?
Write down their first and last name - you'll need it to complete the online registration to attend.  More details on how to join will be emailed to you upon registration.