Performance Study of Conventional Iron Treating Methods for Irrigation Under Drip System in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk

A study was carried out in Thiruvidaimarudur taluk of Cauvery delta zone to evaluate the statusof ground water quality with respect to iron and its distribution pattern over the study area. Groundwater samples were collected during monsoon (July 2013 to September 2013) and post monsoon (December 2013 to February 2014) from 25 locations of which 19 falls in the study area boundaryto study the overall changes in water quality. But Considering iron getting deposited in the drip systems which result in dripper clogging; the possibility of using chemicals for cleaning was studied. Two irrigation samples with different iron content (4 ppmand 2.5 ppm) and pH (6.5 and 7.5) value were considered for testing iron removal methods. The reason behind these selection criteria is major water source falls under this category. Out of the three chemicals(Sulphuric Acid, Sodium Hypochlorite and Phosphoric Acid) that were studied, Phosphoric acid has been found to be more effective in alkaline irrigation water even with high iron content. However, Phosphoric acid was not found effective under acidic condition during the monsoon. Alternatively, Sodium hypo chlorite can be used for removal of iron in irrigation waters with low iron content andacidic in nature. The phosphoric acid that could be used as the treatment chemical can also be a supplement for phosphate fertilizers.