Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biosystems Engineering Technology

Major Professor

William E. Hart

Committee Members

Daniel Yoder, Ronald E. Yoder

Abstract

Pesticide rinsate disposal is an ongoing problem for today's farmers. The legal and environmental repercussions resulting from mismanagement of pesticide wastewater can be great. A simple, inexpensive, and legal means of dealing with this issue would be of benefit to many producers. The goal of the current study is to develop a facility design that incorporates a mixing and loading facility with a practical, effective pesticide wastewater disposal system. The first component in any comprehensive pesticide wastewater management plan is to minimize production of rinsate. Proper calibration, in-field rinse systems, and rinsate recycling can greatly reduce the amount of rinsate created during chemical application procedures. Unfortunately, some rinsate production is inevitable. Containment and collection of this waste is the next step in the safe handling of rinsate. Pertinent research with regard to chemical containment and storage was reviewed in detail. A rinsepad structure was chosen as the most effective and economical means for rinsate containment. Having decided on a containment technology, a number of disposal options were considered and criteria were developed for choosing an appropriate system. The most effective and practical disposal option was the Soil Bed Bioreactor System (SBBR) developed by researchers at The University of Tennessee. Having chosen the mechanism for containment and disposal, a facility design was developed that integrated both of these functions. The Plant Science Unit at the Knoxville Experiment Station was used as a case study for this investigation, but the basic design elements of this facility can be applied to any operation in which rinsate is produced including golf courses, nurseries, and lawn care companies. A rinsepad structure was designed for use during the loading and rinsing of spray equipment. A full-scale SBBR system was designed to dispose of all pesticide wastewater generated at the Plant Science Unit. All pertinent regulations were investigated and complied with. Environmental protection was a major concern in the development of a design. Finally, the practicality of the system and the possibility of use by producers as well as other agricultural end users such as nurseries and landscaping companies were considered.

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