Keywords: Edge-of-field filters, drainage water, pressurized-air flushing, phosphorus sorption, water chemistry
Phosphorus (P) in agricultural runoff drives eutrophication, with rewetted lowland soils posing elevated risk. A new mitigation approach employs drainage filter systems for high-risk areas. Aarhus University and partners have pioneered a full-scale filter setup that treats iron (Fe) and P rich water in a multi-component filter line by facilitating Fe-oxide flocculation followed by dissolved P retention in a P-sorbing material. Fe‑oxide removal is managed by automated, pressurized‑air backflushing pulses in a dedicated unit. This MSc project will explore how operational settings affect overall P retention, focusing on the frequency and intensity of backflushing.
Water samples will be collected automatically across filter units and analyzed for standard water quality parameters in the lab. Results will inform optimization of backflush control and media performance. The project will be actively supported by technical staff at the Department of Agroecology.
Is field work part of the topic (yes/no)?
Yes
Is lab work part of the topic (yes/no)?
Yes
I coding part of the thesis topic (yes/no)?
No
Any time
AU Viborg
30 ECTS: Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.
Optionally, the project can be extended to:
45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data
60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data
Vandermoere, S. et al. 2018. Reducing phosphorus losses from drained agricultural fields with iron coated sand filters. Water Research 141, 329-339.
