Influence of micro/nano aeration on the diversity of the microbial community in drip irrigation to reduce emitter clogging

Microbial community activity is an important factor for drip irrigation emitter clogging, and micro/nano bubbles have a significant impact on the microbial community and they seriously affect emitter clogging. A study on the clogging mechanism in the presence of micro/nano bubbles in drip irrigation emitters was carried out. The physical morphology and chemical components of clogging material in emitter runners were observed and analysed by scanning electron microscopy and energy spectrum analysis. The microbial community diversity within the clogged emitters was studied by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, and the core flora affecting emitter clogging were determined by statistical methods. The results showed that micro/nano aeration effectively decreased the amount of clogging material attached to the emitter flow channel but it did not significantly affect the physicochemical composition of the clogging material. Micro/nano aeration not only significantly reduced the diversity and abundance of microbial communities in the clogging material attached to the emitters but it also reduced the number of core flora affecting emitter clogging. Therefore, in engineering applications, the abundance of harmful microbes in drip irrigation emitters can be regulated by means of micro/nano aeration to reduce emitter clogging and increase the service life of drip irrigation systems.