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Disinfection of Pythium-infested recirculation water by UV-oxidation technology
1Applied Plant Research, P.O. Box 8, 2670 AA Naaldwijk, The Netherlands. w.t.runia@ppo.dlo.nl
Mededelingen (Rijksuniversiteit Te Gent. Fakulteit Van De Landbouwkundige En Toegepaste Biologische Wetenschappen)
|November 12, 2002
Summary
UV-oxidation and UV-irradiation effectively disinfect recirculating water against Pythium aphanidermatum. UV-oxidation with hydrogen peroxide allows for a lower UV-C dose, reducing energy consumption in hydroponic systems.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Recirculating water systems in horticulture are susceptible to pathogens like Pythium aphanidermatum.
- Disinfection methods are crucial for maintaining plant health and preventing disease spread.
- Reducing energy consumption in water treatment is an important sustainability goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of UV-irradiation and UV-oxidation for selective disinfection of Pythium aphanidermatum in recirculating water.
- To determine if these methods can reduce electrical energy consumption per cubic meter of treated water.
- To assess the impact of UV-oxidation with hydrogen peroxide on UV-C dose requirements.
Main Methods:
- Artificial inoculation of recirculating tomato hydroponic water (rockwool and coconut fibre) with Pythium aphanidermatum.
- Application of UV-irradiation and UV-oxidation (UV-lamp with injected hydrogen peroxide) for disinfection.
- Monitoring of pH and transmission value (T10) of the treated water.
Main Results:
- The standard UV-C dose for fungal pathogen elimination (100 mJ/cm2) can be reduced when targeting only Pythium aphanidermatum.
- UV-oxidation technology, using 1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide, enabled a further significant reduction in the required UV-C dose compared to UV-irradiation alone.
- Both methods demonstrated effectiveness in reducing Pythium aphanidermatum levels.
Conclusions:
- UV-oxidation offers a more energy-efficient disinfection strategy for Pythium aphanidermatum in recirculating horticultural water compared to UV-irradiation alone.
- Optimized UV-C doses, especially with UV-oxidation, can lead to reduced operational costs and environmental impact.
- Selective disinfection strategies are viable for managing specific pathogens in hydroponic systems.
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