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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Absorption and desorption of liquid water by a superabsorbent polyelectrolyte: Role of polymer on the capacity for absorption of a ground

subject

description

To study the potentialities of a polyelectrolyte superabsorbent for the storage of water, we have studied a ground representative of the area of Haouz (area of Marrakesh, South of Morocco) in the presence of polymer. We sought the optimal proportions allowing the best retention of water by the mixture made up of the polymer and the ground and to prolong the storage period of water in the ground. We have also studied the effect of certain ions and the pH on the capacity for absorption of polymer. These ions can be naturally present in the ground or introduced by the means of manure and pesticides. The presence of polymer in the ground makes it possible to increase the capacity for absorption of the water by the ground, which can thus involve a saving in water while decreasing the frequency of irrigation and by reducing the water losses by the phenomena of evaporation and infiltration. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1541–1548, 2001