Performance and microbiology of ozone-enhanced biological filtration

Pilot-scale studies were conducted to determine the effects of preozonation and water column biofilm support media on slow sand filtration. The performance of the enhanced slow sand filters was compared with that of the full-scale treatment facility at Andover, Mass., which uses preozonation and granular activated carbon to enhance its conventional processes. Preozonation and biofilm support were observed to have a positive influence on filter performance, transformation of natural organic matter, microbiology, and removal of biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC). The pilot filter with the media of a larger effective size, an ozone dose of 2 mg per mg of nonpurgeable dissolved organic carbon (NPDOC), and biofilm support produced removals of turbidity, NPDOC, UV absorbance, and trihalomethane formation potential comparable to the full-scale facility. And the enhanced pilot filter produced a lower finished-water BDOC value than the full-scale plant. Thus, enhanced slow sand filters hold promise for utilities that must comply with the Surface Water Treatment Rule and future disinfection by-product rules.