Improving Monitoring Capabilities at COMPORTA TWWP, Portugal
To strengthen monitoring efforts at the MARCLAIMED Comporta TWWP demo site, several measurement points have been established across Infiltration Basins 1, 2, and 4. A Volumetric Water Content TDR probe is being used for long-term monitoring, capturing sequential measurements in each basin. This probe provides continuous data recorded by a datalogger, measuring volumetric water content in the vadose zone at four depths: -90 cm, -50 cm, -30 cm and -20 cm.
Measurements officially began in January 2025, marking a key step in assessing infiltration efficiency, optimizing recharge operations, and evaluating the water retention capacity of the unsaturated zone.
Understanding the Role of Reactive Layers in MAR Systems
Since the basins are designed with distinct reactive layers, monitoring efforts aim to evaluate their impact on infiltration dynamics:
- Basin 1: Contains a Biochar-based reactive organic layer
- Basin 2: Enhanced with a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) layer
- Basin 4: Serves as the control basin with no reactive layer
By comparing infiltration trends across these basins, researchers will gain valuable insights into the effects of reactive materials on water retention and flow patterns. This information will contribute to improving MAR system design and operational strategies, supporting better flow and transport modeling for future applications.
Successful Completion of the 3rd Sampling Campaign
The third sampling campaign of 2025, conducted by LNEC and AgdA – Águas Públicas do Alentejo teams, took place on January 9th, 16th, and 23rd. During this campaign, samples were collected from:
- Treated wastewater effluent
- Groundwater at four piezometers
- Soil water from the unsaturated zone at depths of -25 cm and -50 cm, taken from six different points
The collected data will provide critical insights into water quality, infiltration efficiency, and the long-term performance of MAR systems, reinforcing MARCLAIMED’s mission to optimize water reuse and enhance water resilience in Europe.
