EFFECTIVENESS OF POLYACRYLAMIDE (PAM) IN IMPROVING RUNOFF WATER QUALITY FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES¹

Abstract

Erosion from construction sites significantly affects water quality in receiving streams. A rainfall simulator was used to evaluate the effectiveness of different methods for controlling erosion from construction sites. Erosion control methods investigated included dry and liquid applications of polyacrylamide (PAM), hydroseed, and straw mulch. Fertilizer was also applied to each plot to examine the effectiveness of the methods in reducing nutrient losses in runoff. Runoff samples were analyzed for total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonium, total phosphorus (TP), and orthophosphate. Among all treatments investigated, straw mulch was the most effective treatment for controlling TSS and nutrient losses during short term and long term simulations. The low liquid PAM (half the recommended PAM) treatment resulted in the highest reduction in runoff, TSS bound nitrogen, and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations and loadings. The study results indicate that a high application rate (twice the recommended rate) of PAM could actually increase runoff and TSS losses. At a low application rate, both liquid and dry PAM were effective in reducing TSS and nutrient losses in runoff. However, application of the liquid form of PAM to construction sites is more practical and perhaps more economical than applying the PAM in the dry form.

Runoff water quality and vegetative establishment for groundcovers on steep slopes

“…At 0.75 to 10.5 kg ha -1 (0.67 to 9.4 lb ac -1 ), PAM did not significantly reduce runoff turbidity or sediment loss (Hayes et al 2005). Soupir et al (2004) found that PAM in aqueous form at 1.68 to 6.73 kg ha -1 (1.5 to 6.0 lb ac -1 ) did not significantly reduce TSS compared to a bare control.…”

Controllability of runoff and soil loss from small plots treated by vinasse-produced biochar

“…Toward this, to achieve optimal health, safety, and sustainability in watershed resources, the determination of optimum level, type, and environmentally friendly soil amendments is fundamentally important (Sadeghi et al, 2015). Temporary groundcovers such as straw, compost, hydromulch, or rolled erosion control products have proven effective for controlling erosion on slopes (Benik et al, 2003;Soupir et al, 2004;McLaughlin and Brown, 2006). Considering the increasing amount of organic agricultural and urban wastes, there is an urgent need for a sustainable strategy that allows the management and reduction of these kinds of residues.…”

Polyacrylamide in Agriculture and Environmental Land Management

“…Her results parallel others in the literature including those of Roa-Espinosa et al (1999) that optimal overall effectiveness is obtained by combining PAM with a mulch or hydroseeding mix. Another aspect of the study by Soupir et al (2004) worth noting is the difficulty that can occur if the PAM application solution is too concentrated, resulting in restriction of infiltration, thereby generating more runoff and preventing maximum erosion control efficacy or stand establishment. This result is in line with the finding of Lentz (2003) and indicates that for best results, especially in hydroseeding a careful control of PAM concentration is important, as well as provision of enough total solution volume to assure some penetration of the PAM into the surface few millimeters of soil.…”

“…Flanagan et al (2002a,b) reported good successes applying PAM for erosion control on steep slopes. Soupir et al (2004) investigated a number of PAM-and mulch-based treatments for erosion control on construction sites in Virginia. Her results parallel others in the literature including those of Roa-Espinosa et al (1999) that optimal overall effectiveness is obtained by combining PAM with a mulch or hydroseeding mix.…”