Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of type of emitter self-cleaning mechanism and its structure on the performance of drip irrigation system using effluent of rainbow trout fish

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Irrigation Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The anti-clogging ability of the emitters depends on their automatic self-cleaning mechanism, the structure and geometry of the flow path, and the type of material carried by irrigation water. Suspended solids in fish farm effluents are mostly organic with a low volumetric mass and high compressibility. In the present study, three types of pressure-compensating emitters, two discharges with three flushing mechanisms of emitter were evaluated. The three emitter flushing mechanisms were: (1) continuous self-cleaning with silicone diaphragm, (2) on–off self-cleaning with silicone diaphragm, and (3) continuous self-cleaning with silicone rubber path. Four drip irrigation units for irrigation with fresh water (control) and effluent of a rainbow trout fish farm were designed and implemented. Two of these units were for control treatment (with and without filtration system) and the other two for effluent treatment (with and without filtration system). A total of 270 pressure compensating emitters of Microflapper, Netafim and Corona brands with discharge of 4 and 8 l h−1 through 24 irrigation events lasting 192 operating hours were evaluated over a period of 10 weeks. The indices of Relative Discharge (Dra), the Christiansen Uniformity Coefficient (CU) and Season Relative Discharge Coefficient of Variation (CV (Dra) S) were used. During the irrigation season, the changes in Dra and CU fluctuated, especially for the Microflapper emitter. The maximum percentage of completely clogged emitters was 83.3% and the lowest Dra was 14% with Microflapper emitters using not filtered effluent. The Dra for these emitters with effluent treatments under no filtration decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to control treatment. Without filtration, the type of water, irrigation periods, emitter type and discharge and their interaction affected the relative discharge significantly (p < 0.05). No completely clogged emitter was found under filtration conditions. For both control and effluent treatments, filtration significantly (p < 0.05) increased Dra of 4 and 8 l h−1 Microflapper and 8 l h−1Netafim emitters. Effluent filtration improved Dra of Microflapper emitters by an average of 41%. The 4 l h−1 Netafim emitter performed best in all conditions independently of irrigation water and filtration system, without significant (p < 0.05) differences between them. Overall, the performance of Netafim and Corona emitters was similar and better than Microflapper, which showed the independence of the relative discharge of the emitter to the type of self-cleaning mechanism and its dependence on the type of structure from its self-cleaning mechanism. For each brand, the performance of the emitters with lower discharge (4 l h−1) was better than the higher discharge (with significant difference in some cases).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adin A, Sacks M (1991) Dripper-clogging factors in wastewater irrigation. J Irrig Drain Eng 117:813–826. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437(1991)117:6(813)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ayers R, Westcot D (1994) Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 29 Rev. 1. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  • Bralts VF, Wu I-P, Gitlin HM (1981) Manufacturing variation and drip irrigation uniformity. Trans ASAE 24:113–119. https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.34209

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bucks DA, Nakayama F, Gilbert R (1979) Trickle irrigation water quality and preventive maintenance. Agric Water Manag 2:149–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3774(79)90028-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Camp C (1998) Subsurface drip irrigation: a review. Trans ASAE 41:1353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Capra A, Scicolone B (1998) Water quality and distribution uniformity in drip/trickle irrigation systems. J Agric Eng Res 70:355–365. https://doi.org/10.1006/jaer.1998.0287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen S, Timmons MB, Aneshansley DJ, Bisogni JJ Jr (1993) Suspended solids characteristics from recirculating aquacultural systems and design implications. Aquaculture 112:143–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(93)90440-A

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christiansen J (1941) The uniformity of application of water by sprinkler systems. Agric Eng 22:89–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Couture I (2004) M. Analyse d’eau pour fin d’irrigation. MAPAQ Montérégie-Est AGRI-VISION, 1–8, Québec, Canada.

  • Crites R, Tchobanoglous G (1998) Small and decentralized wastewater management systems. vol 628.3 C934s. Mc Graw Hill, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Enciso-Medina J, Multer W, Lamm F (2011) Management, maintenance, and water quality effects on the long-term performance of subsurface drip irrigation systems. Appl Eng Agric 27:969–978

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gurung TB (2012) Integrated aquaculture within agriculture irrigation for food security and adaptation to climate change. Hydro Nepal. https://doi.org/10.3126/hn.v11i1.7214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han S, Li Y, Xu F, Sun D, Feng J, Liu Z, Wu R, Wang Zh (2018) Effect of lateral flushing on emitter clogging under drip irrigation with Yellow River water and a suitable method. Irrig Drain 67:199–209. https://doi.org/10.1002/ird.2193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klontz GW (1991) Fish for the future: concepts and methods of intensive aquaculture. University of Idaho, Moscow

    Google Scholar 

  • Li N, Kang Y, Li X, Wan S, Zhang C, Wang X (2019) Lateral flushing with fresh water reduced emitter clogging in drip irrigation with treated effluent. Irrig Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-019-00637-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Z, Xiao Y, Li Y, Zhou B, Feng J, Han S, Muhammad T (2019) Influence of operating pressure on emitter anti-clogging performance of drip irrigation system with high-sediment water. Agric Water Manag 213:174–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2018.10.017

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manbari N, Maroufpoor E, Aminpour Y, Kamangar BB, Puig-Bargués J (2020) Effect of a combined filtration system and drip irrigation laterals on quality of rainbow trout farm effluent. Irrig Sci 38:131–145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-019-00654-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maroufpoor E, Aminpour Y, Kamangar BB, Puig-Bargués J (2020) Clogging rate of pressure compensating emitters in irrigation with rainbow trout fish farm effluent. Irrig Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-020-00697-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mu NJ (2005) Experimental study on the anti-clogging performance of Labyrinth passage of emitters. China Agricultural University, Beijing (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mustapha A, Driss B, Khadija E, Mohammed B (2013) Optimization and efficiency in rainbow trout fed diets for reduce the environment impact in Morocco. Univers J Environ Res Technol 3:318–325

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson R, Watts K (2003) Micro-particles in recirculating aquaculture systems: particle size analysis of culture water from a commercial Atlantic salmon site. Aquac Eng 28:99–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0144-8609(03)00003-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pei Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhou B, Shi Z, Jiang Y (2014) Eight emitters clogging characteristics and its suitability under on-site reclaimed water drip irrigation. Irrig Sci 32:141–157. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-013-0420-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pinto MF, Molle B, Alves DG, Ait-Mouheb N, de Camargo AP, Frizzone JA (2017) Flow rate dynamics of pressure-compensating drippers under clogging effect. Revista Brasileira De Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental 21(5):304–309. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v21n5p304-309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pitts DJ, Haman DZ, Smajstria A (1990) Causes and prevention of emitter plugging in micro irrigation systems. Bulletin-Florida Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, Gainesville

    Google Scholar 

  • Puig-Bargués J, Arbat G, Barragán J, Ramírez de Cartagena F (2005) Hydraulic performance of drip irrigation subunits using WWTP effluents. Agric Water Manag 77:249–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2004.09.032

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puig-Bargués J, Arbat G, Elbana M, Duran-Ros M, Barragán J, Ramírez de Cartagena F, Lamm FR (2010) Effect of flushing frequency on emitter clogging in microirrigation with effluents. Agric Water Manag 97:883–891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2010.01.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ravina I, Paz E, Sofer Z, Marcu A, Shisha A, Sagi G (1992) Control of emitter clogging in drip irrigation with reclaimed wastewater. Irrig Sci 13:129–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song P, Li Y, Zhou B, Zhou C, Zhang Z, Li J (2017) Controlling mechanism of chlorination on emitter bio-clogging for drip irrigation using reclaimed water. Agric Water Manag 184:36–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.12.017

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tchobanoglous G, Schroeder E (1985) Water quality: characteristics, modeling, modification. Addison-Wesley, Reading

    Google Scholar 

  • Tchobanoglous G, Burton FL, Stensel HD (2003) Wastewater engineering: treatment and reuse. Metcalf & Eddy Inc McGraw-Hill Inc, USA for Environmental Research Information Cincinnati, New York, p 27

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang J, Li G, Qiu X, Xu P (2003) Effects of flow passage forms on hydraulic performance of emitters Trans CSAE 21:100–103

  • Wang DM (2007a) Study on the Hydraulic and Anti-clogging performance of flow-passage form and size for Labyrinth emitters. M.Sc. thesis. China Agriculture University, Beijing (in Chinese)

  • Wang JD (2007b) Study on the hydraulic and anti-clogging performance of emitters. M.Sc thesis. China Agriculture University, Beijing (in Chinese)

  • Wei Q, Shi Y, Lu G, Dong W, Huang S (2008) Rapid evaluations of anticlogging performance of drip emitters by laboratorial short-cycle tests. J Irrig Drain Eng 134:298–304. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9437

  • Yao B, Liu Z, Zhang J (2003) Study on the effect of channel path on characteristics parameters of Labyrinth emitters. Water Saving Irrig 5:38–39

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou B, Li Y, Song P, Xu Z (2014) Dynamic characteristics and inducing mechanism of emitter clogging in the drip irrigation system using Yellow River water. J Irrig Drain 33:123–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou B, Li Y, Song P, Xu Z, Bralts V (2016) A kinetic model for biofilm growth inside non-PC emitters under reclaimed water drip irrigation. Agric Water Manag 168:23–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.01.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou B, Li Y, Song P, Zhou Y, Yu Y, Bralts V (2017) Anti-clogging evaluation for drip irrigation emitters using reclaimed water. Irrig Sci 35:181–192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-016-0530-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study received funding from the Agricultural Jihad Organization of Kurdistan province, Government of Iran under Grant Agreement no. 1/409.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hydraulic, Hydro-Environmental Engineering, Water Research Institute, Ministry of Energy, Tehran, Iran

    Younes Aminpour

  2. Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

    Pegah Amiri & Eisa Maroufpoor

  3. Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

    Barzan Bahrami Kamangar

  4. Department of Chemical and Agricultural Engineering and Technology, University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Catalonia, Spain

    Jaume Puig-Bargués

Authors
  1. Younes Aminpour
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pegah Amiri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eisa Maroufpoor
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Barzan Bahrami Kamangar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jaume Puig-Bargués
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eisa Maroufpoor.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any of the companies with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Aminpour, Y., Amiri, P., Maroufpoor, E. et al. Effect of type of emitter self-cleaning mechanism and its structure on the performance of drip irrigation system using effluent of rainbow trout fish. Irrig Sci 40, 163–175 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-022-00767-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-022-00767-1

Search

Navigation