RESERVOIR SEDIMENT TREATMENT BY ELECTRON BEAM

Reservoir sedimentation is a process of erosion, entrainment, transportation, deposition and compaction of sediment carried into reservoirs formed and contained by dams. It may be formed and carried naturally by rivers or be a result of waste disposal.

This accumulation is a serious problem in many parts of the world and has severe consequences for water management, flood control, and production of energy. And moreover sediment in reservoirs is also contaminated with pathogens, and that creates a threat for human health.

Sediment may contain E. Coli, saprophytes, Clostridium perfringens, enterococci, and other pathogens.

Sediment is removed from reservoirs conventionally by dredging. The extracted sediment undergoes antimicrobial treatment by electron beam irradiation, and may be then provided to agricultural companies to be used as fertilizer.