Low concentrations of synthetic- or bio-polymers in irrigation water can nearly eliminate sediment, N,
ortho- and total-P, DOM, pesticides, micro-organisms, and weed seed from runoff. These environmentally safe
polymers are employed in various sensitive uses including food processing, animal feeds, and potable water
purification. The most common synthetic polymer is anionic, high purity polyacrylamide (PAM), which typically
provides 70-90% contaminant elimination. Excellent results are achieved adding only 10 ppm PAM to irrigation
water, applying 1-2 kg ha-lper irrigation, costing 4−12 kg-1. Biopolymers are less effective, but show promise; they
include starch co-polymers, microfibril suspensions, chitin, polysaccharides and protein derivatives. Using twice or
higher concentrations, existing biopolymers are ~60% effective as PAM, at 2-3 times the cost kg-1. A half million ha
of US irrigated land use PAM for erosion control and runoff protection. The practice is spreading rapidly in the US
and worldwide. Interest in development of biopolymer surrogates for PAM is high. If the supply of cheap natural gas
(raw material for PAM synthesis) diminishes, industries may seek alternative polymers. Also "green" perceptions and
preferences favor biopolymers for certain applications. More complete history, user/technical information and
bibliography are found at
