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

To study the potentialities of a polyelectrolyte superabsorbent for the sto rage 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 sough t the optimal proportions allowing the best retention of water by the mixtu re 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 natura lly present in the ground or introduced by the means of manure and pesticid es. 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 redu cing the water losses by the phenomena of evaporation and infiltration. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.