Managed Aquifer Recharge and Natural Water Treatment Processes in Wastewater Reuse

Abstract

Both the vadose and phreatic zones are active chemical, physical, and biological environments. The concentrations of pathogens and chemical contaminants tend to be reduced as water infiltrates into the soil, percolates to the water table, and flows through aquifers. The contaminant attenuation processes include filtration, sorption, precipitation, sedimentation, and various biological and chemical degradation processes. Water flowing through the soil (vadose zone) and within aquifers in some instances may experience deterioration in water quality. Trace metals and arsenic have leached into water stored in some managed aquifer recharge systems.