Sequential Managed Aquifer Recharge Technology (SMART) for water reuse

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a method of storing water underground and making it available at a later date to meet demand. With increasing demand for water and longer periods of drought, this is an important approach for future water supplies. At the same time, water quality must be maintained to protect groundwater and to ensure water quality for applications such as agricultural irrigation.
Sequential groundwater recharge (SMART) combines a first infiltration to break down easily degradable organic matter with a second infiltration after aeration under low-carbon, high oxygen conditions. The advantage of the second infiltration is the degradation of some organic trace substances. It also requires less space and has faster flow rates than a conventional MAR. Treated wastewater treatment plant effluent or bank filtrate is used as the water source.
There are two approaches: Firstly, the construction of a homogeneous SMART-Plus sand tank (WaterHub project, South Africa), similar to the existing SMART-Plus tank in Garching, and secondly, the use of a heterogeneous aquifer (TrinkWave Transfer, Berlin). The SMART tank can be installed almost anywhere and offers a reliable flow and thus the possibility of continuous biodegradation of trace substances. However, the flow in a heterogeneous aquifer can also be controlled by a seepage trench in combination with wells. Both projects aim to achieve constant water quality for reuse. There are open research questions regarding the required redox conditions and the development of the microbiome that degrades the trace substances.
 

Project leader	Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes
Researchers	Dr. Felicia Linke