Clogging potential of a drip irrigation system operating with treated domestic sewage

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of clogging of a drip irrigation system operating with
primary domestic sewage (EDP) and supply water (AA) in the rural community of semiarid Potiguar - RN, Brazil.
The experimental area is located in the rural community of Milagres in Apodi - RN. The treatments studied
were: T1 = 100% of EDP, T2 = 75% of EDP + 25% of AA, T3 = 50% of EDP + 50% of AA, T4 = 25% of EDP +
75% of AA, and T5 = 100% of AA. The physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of EDP and AA as
well as the flow rate and uniformity of application were determined. The results indicate that EDP represents
risk of obstruction of emitters, especially in relation to the population of microorganisms; applying EDP caused
alteration of uniformity and flow rate of emitters, and T4 (25% EDP + 75% AA) was more susceptible to clogging
in relation to other treatments.