The concentrations of pesticides found in surface water are too high, according to researchers. Therefore the government and the horticultural industry have agreed to reduce nitrogen and phosphate levels in discharge water at a meeting of the Sustainable Greenhouse Horticulture Platform. The institute is currently testing various water purification methods to find new ways of reducing the release of pesticides. Of the 30 methods reviewed so far, 4 were selected that could be used in nurseries in the near future. Once the tests are complete, the goal is to select one or more of these technologies for implementation next year.
The ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions are considered most likely to be of short-term use. These solutions involve breaking down or removing undesirable substances in the discharge water. HortiMaX came up with the HortiMaX Vitalite H2O2 for this method of water purification. This system uses low pressure UV light to activate hydrogen peroxide, breaking down pesticides in the water. The research institute is presently testing the efficiency of this technology. The results of the research project will be announced at the end of this year.
More information
Information on HortiMaX
Information on HortiMaX Vitalite
Information on WUR www.glastuinbouw.wur.nl
Information on waterzuiveringstechnieken
Ellen Beerling (e-mail)
WUR Sr onderzoeker Water & Emissie
Wageningen UR Glastuinbouw
0317485670
Ad de Koning (e-mail)
HortiMaX Director Research & Development
Telefoon: 00 31 15 36 20 300