Reduction of Musty Odor Substances in Drinking Water – A Pilot Plant Study

Abstract

The reduction of the musty odor substances 2-methylisoborneo1 (MIB) and geosmin, was investigated using a 60m3/day scale pilot plant. The ozone dose rate of 2-5mg/l was sufficient for the reduction of MIB and geosmin, and their reduction rates were between 75-100%. Two rapid sand filtrates, one pre-chlorinated and the other not pre-chlorinated,were introduced to the granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. Depending on which influent was used, the reduction rates were different and the GAC filter which filtered the water without pre-chlorination maintained its effectiveness in removing MIB and geosmin longer than the other. On the basis of these results, a 2000m3/day scale demonstration plant was constructed. The results of 1 year operation demonstrated the effectiveness of the method in removing musty odor substances from a large city water supply.