Organic matter removal in bio-filters to achieve biologically stable water downstream of the process

Abstract

Abstract Organic removal contaminants reclamation has increased over the past years as it has many advantages over other treatments. Product water from water treatment plants can be chemically complex resulting in physical and biological changes during transportation in the distribution systems. The general aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of biofilters for reducing the concentration of organic matter in order to produce biologically stable water, avoiding biofouling formation downstream of the process units. Enhanced coagulation and media filters of expanded clay, sand, and biological activated carbon (BAC) have been assessed. PH and coagulant dose have been optimized to achieve maximum turbidity and organic removal. Filtration stages along the operation have been monitored, measuring parameters such DOC (Dissolved Organic Carbon), UVabs (ultraviolet absorbance), BDOC (Biodegradable Organic Carbon) and AOC (Assimilable Organic Carbon). Once the biological stage was achieved and the organic removal was constant and steady along the process units, the BDOC analysis showed evidence of the outcomes of each filtration system, with BAC filters in conjunction with enhanced coagulation giving outstanding performance.