Can molecular oscillation technology be used as an alternative to acid injection to prevent the clogging of emitters in drip irrigation systems?

Abstract In this study, molecular oscillation technology (Merus ring), developed to prevent calcification, biofilm formation and corrosion in piping in industrial water treatment systems, was compared as an alternative to acid injection to prevent the clogging of emitters by chemicals, and fresh and saline water were compared on the basis of system performance parameters (coefficient of variation, distribution uniformity, Christiansen uniformity, emission uniformity) and economic aspects. The results revealed that both acid injection and the Merus ring in saline and fresh water resulted in significantly higher average emitter flow rates than the control treatment. Both the Merus ring and the acid injection achieved higher performance parameters with fresh water than with saline water. Acid injection was found to be more effective in preventing clogging of the emitters than the Merus ring when saline water was used. Compared with fresh water, saline water increases emitter clogging. The economic analysis revealed that the Merus ring was more economical ($204.3 ha −1 ) than acid injection with both fresh water ($318.2 ha −1 ) and saline water ($578.6 ha −1 ). Therefore, the Merus ring could be a reliable and environmentally friendly alternative to acid injection to prevent the clogging of emitters in drip systems when saline water is used.