A preliminary experimental study simulating evapotranspiration process in TEvap tanks cultivated with different
Marine Cirino Grossi Reis1,2, Alisson Carraro Borges2, Fabrício Santos Ferreira1
1Academic Department of Agriculture and Enviroment, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the Southeast of Minas Gerais, Rio Pomba, Brazil.
Environmental Technology
|May 2, 2023
Summary
The BRS Capiaçu forage significantly enhances evapotranspiration in zero-discharge systems compared to Tifton-85 grass. This ecotechnology offers a sustainable solution for toilet water disposal, requiring less area per inhabitant.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Ecotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Evapotranspiration tanks (TEvap) are emerging ecotechnologies for 'zero-discharge' toilet water management.
- Understanding forage and soil strip impacts on TEvap performance is crucial for optimizing water disposal systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of two forages (BRS Capiaçu and Tifton-85 grass) and a vertical soil strip on evapotranspiration (ET), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH in TEvap systems.
- To determine the TEvap coefficient (KTEvap) and estimate the minimum area required for 'zero-discharge' toilet water management.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study was conducted using four treatments with three replications, varying forage type and presence of a soil strip.
- Two plant growing cycles were monitored, measuring ET, EC, and pH.
- Reference evapotranspiration was calculated using weather data to determine KTEvap.
Main Results:
- Accumulated ET was significantly higher with BRS Capiaçu (27.93% and 45.89% greater in cycles 1 and 2, respectively) compared to Tifton-85.
- No significant difference in ET was observed between TEvap systems with and without a soil strip.
- BRS Capiaçu resulted in lower EC and pH values and higher KTEvap (2.37 vs. 1.76 for Tifton-85).
Conclusions:
- BRS Capiaçu forage demonstrates superior evapotranspiration capacity, making it suitable for 'zero-discharge' constructed wetland systems.
- Estimated minimum area for zero-discharge was 5.70 m2 inhab-1 with BRS Capiaçu and 7.77 m2 inhab-1 with Tifton-85.
- Further research is recommended to optimize TEvap design considering diverse conditions.
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