Återkomstflöde

Återkomstflöde, often translated as "return flow" or "reflux" in English, is a term primarily used in the context of hydrometeorology and environmental science, particularly in relation to water management and agricultural practices. It describes the movement of water back into a water body or system from which it was previously diverted or extracted. This can occur in several scenarios.

In irrigation, for instance, återkomstflöde refers to the portion of applied irrigation water that does not infiltrate the soil or is not consumed by evapotranspiration and instead flows back into surface water channels or drains. This return flow can carry dissolved nutrients, sediments, or agricultural chemicals, posing a potential challenge for water quality downstream. Managing the quantity and quality of återkomstflöde is therefore an important aspect of sustainable irrigation.

The term can also be applied more broadly to other water management contexts, such as the return of treated wastewater to natural water systems, or the replenishment of groundwater aquifers from surface water infiltration. Understanding the dynamics of återkomstflöde is crucial for accurate hydrological modeling, water resource allocation, and the assessment of environmental impacts associated with water abstraction and use.