Sizing an open-channel woodchip bioreactor to treat nitrate from agricultural tile drainage and achieve water quality targets

Abstract Woodchip bioreactors are capable of removing nitrate from agricultural runoff and subsurface tile drain water, alleviating human health hazards harmful discharge to the environment. Water pumped sumps nearby ditches or channels could be cost-effectively diverted through a woodchip bioreactor remove prior into local waterways. Sizing achieve targeted outlet concentrations within minimum footprint is important minimizing cost. Determining necessary size should involve hydrological component as well reaction type rates. We measured inflow outflow in open-channel over 13-month period used tanks-in-series approach model hydrology estimate parameter values for kinetics. Both zero-order first-order kinetics incorporating Arrhenius equation temperature dependence were modeled. The fit data better. rate coefficients (k = 17.5 g N m−3 day−1 theta 1.12 against Tref 20 °C) can estimating treat farm blocks on California's central coast. present an Excel our aid size.