Assessing an empirical approach to estimate nutrient loads to impaired waterbodies attributable to waster reuse irrigation practices

Water reclamation is a vital component of effective one water management strategies, but there are concerns that reuse irrigation may contribute toward nutrient impairment of receiving waters. Identification of a reconnaissance marker of reuse irrigation effluent and an understanding of the stability of that marker during fate and transport would be highly beneficial in preventing ineffective energy intensive treatment facility permit requirements that might not mitigate receiving water loads. The medical contrast agent iohexol was previously shown to be a potential marker that is specific to reuse effluent loading at a TMDL site in the City of Naples, Florida. A follow-on study is currently underway to further demonstrate the suitability of this marker at different utility reuse irrigation sites located throughout Florida.