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Performance and Biofilm Activity of Nitrifying Biofilters Removing Trihalomethanes
Citation:
WAHMAN, D. G., L. E. Katz, AND G. E. Speitel, Jr. Performance and Biofilm Activity of Nitrifying Biofilters Removing Trihalomethanes. WATER RESEARCH. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 45(4):1669-1680, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Nitrifying biofilters seeded with three different mixed-culture sources degraded trichloromethane (TCM) and dibromochloromethane (DBCM). In addition, resuspended biofilm degraded TCM, bromododichloromethane (BDCM), DBCM, and tribromomethane (TBM) in backwash batch kinetic tests, demonstrating that the biofilters contained organisms capable of degrading the four regulated trihalomethanes (THMs) commonly found in treated drinking water. Upon the initial and subsequent increased trichloromethane (TCM) addition, total ammonia (TOTNH3) removal decreased and then reestablished, indicating an adjustment by the biofilm bacteria. In addition, changes in dibromochloromethane (DBCM) removal indicated a change in activity related to DBCM. The backwash batch kinetic tests provided a useful tool to evaluate the biofilm’s bacteria. Based on these experiments, the biofilters contained bacteria with similar THM degradation kinetics to those seen in previous batch kinetic experiments. Overall, performance or selection does not seem based specifically on nutrients, source water, or source cultures and most likely results from THM product toxicity, and the use of GAC media appeared to offer benefits over anthracite for biofilter stability and long-term performance, although the reasons for this advantage are not apparent based on research to date.
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PERFORMANCE AND BIOFILM ACTIVITY OF NITRIFYING BIOFILTERS REMOVING TRIHALOMETHANES
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