Pesticides

Approximately 450 pesticides are approved for use in the EU. These pesticides contain organic molecules from carious chemical families, including glyphosate from phosphonic acid and atrazine from triazine.

Many of these molecules are known to require treatment for environmental reasons. The chemistry of these molecules ranges from being very acidic to alkaline. You have AOX including chlorinated, fluorinated, or toxic compounds that must be removed to protect aquatic life and the human food chain. Together, these compounds can be measured as COD or BOD. The removal of these molecules is essential to keep waterways aerated and healthy.

DESOTEC’s mobile activated carbon filtration solutions provide simple and sustainable answers to all of these issues, ensuring that water is safe for discharge or reuse.

DESOTEC’s mobile filters are easy to use on farms. Their small footprint makes them ideal for busy agricultural sites, while their simple technology means they do not require operators on-site.

Pesticides are found in waters as a result of rinsing tools and machinery. This wastewater can be pooled and passed over the filters. Unlike many alternative technologies, activated carbon is suitable for batch treatments. Once treated with activated carbon, the water is safe for industrial reuse (such as washing or cooling equipment). Alternatively, the treated water can also be discharged to the environment or sent to wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) for further purification.

Where pesticides have entered the groundwater through rainfall runoff or by seeping into the soil, remediation is required. Groundwater is pumped up and passed through the filters before being returned to the land. The fact that DESOTEC filters are mobile makes them well suited to both long-term and temporary applications, such as in locations where spills have occurred.

Rinsing waters from manufacturing can contain high concentrations of pesticides. In food processing, wastewater from rinsing fruit and vegetables can also contain traces of pesticides. Failing to reduce the pesticides load before sending wastewater to WWTPs would kill off the bacteria used in biofilters. DESOTEC filters provide effective pretreatment, allowing for safe discharge of the wastewater to the sewer. It may also be possible to reuse the wastewater, boosting sustainability and driving down customers’ costs.

The EU Water Framework Directive sets quality standards for surface and groundwater. These standards are regulated through national and regional legislation, as well as COD, BOD, and AOX limits.

Municipal WWTPs also set acceptance limits for COD and AOX concentrations in wastewater.

In general, laws and WWTP limits are becoming ever stricter. By installing DESOTEC’s modular filtration solutions, you can future-proof your agricultural business today.