UV-C water disinfection in horticulture
In modern horticulture, reusing drain water helps reduce water consumption and limit environmental emissions. However, recirculating untreated water can also spread plant pathogens through the irrigation system. UV disinfection provides a reliable way to treat drain water before reuse by inactivating microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and moulds.
This allows growers to safely recirculate water without increasing the risk of disease transmission. At the same time, monitoring and controlled treatment of water flows help growers comply with increasingly strict regulations regarding the measurement and management of water streams.
UV Solution
A total of 25 UV reactors each equiped with 1 low-pressure UV lamp, with a combined capacity of maximum of 25 m³/h.
UV Results
Bacteria, fungi and moulds are successfully eliminated
UValue Creation
Drain water treated: Enable recirculation of water
Environmental impact: Proper disinfection of water to meet strict environmental regulations.
The challenge: treating drain water from a strawberry grower
This strawberry grower in the central region of the country produces approximately 8 million kilograms of strawberries per year, across eight different varieties. The crops are grown in greenhouses, on racks, and in open fields, resulting in several types of drain water streams. Proper disinfection of this water is essential, particularly in light of increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Due to the coloration caused by the substrate and the addition of nutrients, the water—especially when coco peat is used—often has reduced transparency. This leads to lower UV transmittance, which requires a carefully designed approach to ensure effective UV disinfection.
Results after UV treatment
After installation of the UV disinfection system, water samples showed that bacteria, fungi, and moulds were reduced to safe levels, meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.
UV solution
A customized UV disinfection system was designed and installed for this application. The system has the capacity to serve a cultivation area of 16 hectares and disinfects drain water flows of up to 25 m³/h.
An advanced PLC with touchscreen interface automatically controls the flow and continuously calculates the UV transmittance (UVT) of the water. Sensors continuously monitor the water quality, after which the pump capacity can be automatically adjusted when required to increase the contact time. This ensures a more effective treatment and consistent disinfection performance.
Case study facts:
Location: The Netherlands
UV system supplier: VGE