Pilot 2. Composition adjustment of reclaimed water

Pilot 2. Composition adjustment of reclaimed water focused on optimizing the nutrient composition of reclaimed water, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, to meet the requirements for its intended applications, such as irrigation or landscaping (e.g., parks and urban greenery).
Pilot 2 locations were in:

• Wołkowyja (Poland) at a pilot plant operated by Schwander Polska Ltd, Poland,
• Jurmala Water Utility, Latvia, with the support of the University of Latvia.

Moreover, the fertilizing properties of reclaimed water were analyzed at the Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Kuopio and at the Warsaw University of Technology.

Reclaimed water can serve as a valuable source of nutrients for plants. In Pilot 2, the emphasis is on analyzing the main macronutrients (nitrogen – N, phosphorus – P, and potassium – K) composition for irrigating inedible plants such as grasses and flowers using reclaimed water. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are three essential nutrients that play a key role in plant development. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are fundamental for healthy growth for inedible plants:

• Nitrogen is a primary nutrient that influences plant growth. It is crucial for producing proteins, enzymes, and chlorophyll, which is responsible for photosynthesis. For grass, nitrogen is essential for rapid growth and the intense green color of leaves, as it supports chlorophyll production. For flowers, nitrogen affects the overall development of the plant, including the production of healthy, strong shoots and leaves. However, excess nitrogen may lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
• Phosphorus is a nutrient that plays an important role in plant cellular energy, primarily due to its presence in ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy carrier in cells. It is also crucial for root development. For grass, phosphorus supports the development of a strong root system, which is particularly important for stability and drought resistance. In flowers, phosphorus supports processes related to blooming and also improves plant health, enhancing its ability to survive in harsh conditions (e.g., winter).
• Potassium regulates many metabolic processes in plants, including water transport, enzyme activity, and protein synthesis. Potassium helps plants cope with environmental stress, such as drought, cold, or disease. Grass requires potassium to effectively manage water, which is key for its durability, especially during dry periods. Potassium also helps maintain healthy plant cells.

Flowers, like grasses, benefit from potassium to boost plant resistance to diseases and regulate processes related to seed production and blooming. All three nutrients must be present in the appropriate proportions for the plant to grow, bloom, and maintain good condition.

Key takeaways

• Balancing nutrients in reclaimed water showcases its potential as a sustainable resource for inedible plant irrigation.
• In regions with limited freshwater, reclaimed water offers an alternative resource for maintaining landscapes. Additionally, using reclaimed water helps conserve potable water, which is crucial for other needs. Overall, it provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly option for managing plant nutrition in inedible plant care.
• Using reclaimed water for irrigation helps reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, making it a more sustainable choice for landscaping and green spaces.
• Reclaimed water contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote healthy growth in these non-food crops.
• The coagulation and sand filtration processes slightly reduce the coverage of the demand for N, P, and K. In the case of activated carbon adsorption, a drastic reduction in demand can be observed.
• The selection of the pretreatment processes should take into account the assessment of its impact on changes in fertilizer properties of reclaimed water.

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