Artificial recharge improves several water quality parameters. Denitrification is a good example of water treatment process that could be achieved through artificial recharge. To improve the removal of nitrate and other emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) a reactive barrier at the bottom of an infiltration pond can be added. In the present study, the efficiency in removing nitrate of an artificial recharge system with a compost layer located in the Mediterranean area is evaluated, as well as the feasibility of another carbon source to be used as reactive layer in the artificial recharge system planned in the Maghreb Region. We examined the effectiveness of two different materials, commercial compost and crushed palm tree leaves, in batch and column experiments.

Peer Reviewed