An experimental investigation was accomplished in order to compare the performance of disc filters (130 microns) and non-woven synthetic fabric in the filtration of water, used in trickle irrigation systems, with chemical treatment. The temporal variation of the principal parameters of the irrigation water that cause obstruction problems in the emitters were also analyzed during the year: the fertirrigation technique was utilized with organic mineral fertilizer, and the chemical treatment was done with chlorine. The comparison between the two filter elements was done through the analysis of affluent and effluent. The results showed that only the chemical parameters: pH and total iron presented medium risk to obstruction. All the others parameters, resulted in values that did not present obstruction risk to the emitters. The fertilizer solution injection changed the water quality, due to the concentration of suspended solids and turbity. There was no difference in the performance disc filters (130 microns) and non-woven synthetic fabric, related to the physical and biological parameters of their effluent. The free chlorine concentration was higher in the filter disc effluent.
trickle irrigation; chlorine; clogging; filtration; non-woven synthetic fabric
