Author(s)

R. Abeliuk, R. Riquelme & M. Matthey

Abstract

Solute transport model: irrigation with contaminated wastewater R. Abeliuk, R. Riquelme, M. Matthey Dames and Moore Chile Ltda., 11 de Septiembre I860, Of. Santiago, Chile ABSTRACT A model was developed to evaluate damage to plants irrigated with supernatant effluent from tailings ponds. The supernatant contains high concentrations of Molybdenum, which is partly adsorbed by the soil and partly absorbed by the plants. The model was used to design irrigation strategies in such a way as to avoid accumulation of the metal beyond a certain amount in the plants and to prevent soil contamination. INTRODUCTION Scarce water resources in arid and semi arid areas of the country, make an attractive proposition the use of supernatant effluent from tailings ponds to irrigate crops. However as some metals, especially Molybdenum, contained in the effluent are toxic to plants and animals, it is of interest to first develop a m

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