Ecoremediation for protection of drinking water sources and conditioning of drinking water

Project co-ordinator: Prof. Dr. Danijel Vrhovšek
LIMNOS

Various ecoremediation methods (ERM) providing preventive protection of water catchments and drinking water conditioning are proposed within this project. From a scientific point of view, the application of ERMs for this purpose is an innovation in world terms and in Slovenia, although it involves natural systems that have been used more or less knowingly by mankind from time immemorial.

In application of different natural and artificial systems (draining ditches, buffer zones, river bed dynamics, impoundments, wetlands, constructed wetlands, lagoons, etc.) experiments will be carried out with regard to combination of different sizes of a particular system as well as different combinations of particular system groups for the attainment of the objectives set. In application of new substrate combinations, the retention time for elimination of nutrient and toxic substances and methods of water circulation (horizontal, vertical) for oxygen input or the order of aerobic and anaerobic conditions will have to be identified.

In order to achieve the objectives set, an appropriate method will be selected, taking into consideration the characteristics of terrain and soil, hydrology, climatic conditions, analytical needs, maintenance requirements, financial resources, public approval and legislation.

The search for new methods and combinations will be based on existing systems in use. However, innovation will imply:

• selection of the most efficient substrate or combination of substrates for elimination of a particular pollutant;
• selection of the most appropriate plant or combination of plants for elimination of a particular pollutant, taking into account the diversity of a particular habitat;
• selection of the most appropriate ERM system or their combination, including definition of new dimensions, methods of water circulation and retention time for elimination of pollutants or water containment;

The ultimate aim is to increase the efficiency of small areal systems so as to reduce the surface required for the achievement of equal efficiency and thus reduce the costs of construction.