REDUCING IRRIGATION WATER HARDNESS BY OZONATION

Abstract. The article presents the research on the effect of ozone treatment on the hardness of irrigation water. The effect of hard water on plant growth and development has been analyzed. It has been revealed that excessive magnesium and calcium ions in irrigation water lead to the suppression of agricultural crops and a decrease in their yield. To conduct laboratory studies, water was taken from a natural reservoir located near the village of Gvazda, Buturlinovsky District, Voronezh Region, which is used by local farmers to irrigate agricultural land. The sample was divided into two parts, one of which was subjected to ozone treatment, and the second was a control variant. Laboratory studies have established that the total water hardness in the natural reservoir was 21 dH, which corresponds to 7.5 mg eq / l. This level of hardness is excessive and will negatively affect plants. Ozonation at an average ozone concentration in the ozone-air mixture of 4.67 mg/m3 allowed to reduce the total water hardness to 14 dH, which is comparable to 5 mg eq/l. Intensive water softening occurred at ozone treatment doses of up to 840 mg min/m3. Consequently, ozonation reduces the content of polyvalent metal ions, which in high concentrations have a negative effect on plants. Modern compact, energy-efficient, high-performance ozonizers can be easily integrated into the design of sprinkler machines. Softer water will have a positive effect on the efficiency of irrigation and the reliability of irrigation systems. In addition, ozone water treatment will have a bactericidal and disinfectant effect, which will prevent the development of various diseases and pests.