DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-025-2-0053

COMBINED BIOREACTOR AS AN EFFECTIVE DEVICE FOR REDUCING PESTICIDE AND NITRATE CONTAMINATION OF SURFACE WATER AND THUS INCREASING THE ECOLOGICAL AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE AREA

Petr Karásek, Josef Kučera

Research Institute for Soil and Water Conservation., Lidická 25, Brno 602 00, Czechia

This study deals with the development and testing of an innovative combined bioreactor filled with wood chips from Populus nigra in Němčice (Blansko district). The bioreactor was designed as an innovative system for the removal of nitrates, pesticides and other pollutants from surface and drainage water. The bioreactor was put into test operation in September 2023. Its operation is aimed at evaluating the efficiency of denitrification, degradation of pesticide substances, stability of biological processes and long-term functionality of wood chips as a substrate. Results to date have shown the high efficiency of the bioreactor in reducing nitrate concentrations (up to 90%), and pesticide concentrations (up to 35%), with water residence time, water temperature, and microbial activity being key factors. The study confirms the potential of Black Poplar wood chips as a sustainable material for bioreactors and contributes to the development of environmentally friendly solutions for water resource protection. Improving the quality and quality of surface water and water resources contributes to the ecological and recreational potential of the area.

Keywords: wood chips, bioreactor, water quality, pecticides, nitrates

pages: 53-57, Published: 2025, online: 2025