Full Description

Formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) is a major concernfor drinking water utilities. The addition of ozone canhelp minimize trihalomethane (THM) formation, but ozonationconverts nonbiodegradable organic matter to biodegradableorganic carbon, resulting in the formation of biodegradableorganic matter and the potential for bacterial regrowth in thedistribution system.Ozonation in drinking water treatment is typically used incombination with biofiltration. Yavich and Masten proposed andinvestigated a different approach, ozonation in combinationwith biological fluidized-bed treatment (FBT). This study wasconducted using a continuously operated ozonation-FBT systemwith no pretreatment. Biofiltration and bench-scale ozonationsystems were also used to compare the biodegradation efficiencyof FBT and investigate the effect of ozonation onbiodegradation efficiency. Results indicated that the combinedozonation-FBT process was effective in removing THM precursorsand reducing turbidity. According to preliminary cost estimates,ozonation-FBT may be a practical and cost-effectivealternative to conventional coagulation processes that requireadditional steps to control DBPs.For small water providers, the process represents a new optionfor reducing DBP and regrowth potential. Because of the system'ssmall footprint and lack of sludge production, the ozonation-FBTprocess is also applicable for larger utilities with limited space forretrofitting or expansion. Includes 42 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 95 - No. 4 Published: 04/01/2003 Number of Pages: 13 File Size: 1 file , 280 KB