Grantee Research Project Results
1999 Progress Report: Pilot Studies of the Ozonation/FBT Process for the Control of Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water
EPA Grant Number: R826829Title: Pilot Studies of the Ozonation/FBT Process for the Control of Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water
Investigators: Masten, Susan J.
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: July 15, 1998 through May 14, 2001 (Extended to August 15, 2001)
Project Period Covered by this Report: July 15, 1998 through May 14, 1999
Project Amount: $424,734
RFA: Drinking Water (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Water
Objective:
Many water utilities worldwide currently are using ozonation followed by biological filtration for the control of disinfection by-products (DBP) precursors in drinking water. Our preliminary studies showed that a combination of ozonation with biological fluidized bed treatment (FBT) was potentially much more effective for DBP control than conventional ozonation/biofiltration processes. The major objective of this project is to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the combined ozonation/FBT process over a wide range of water quality characteristics. The results are expected to demonstrate the applicability of this technology on a national scale.Progress Summary:
In this project, we are planning to establish technical and economic merits of the ozonation/FBT system for the control of DBP precursors in drinking water and to develop design criteria for commercial system applications. This is being accomplished through bench-scale, small "in-house" pilot and larger pilot-scale studies that would be conducted at several sites (Ann Arbor, Monroe, Wyoming, and/or Detroit Water Treatment Plants).We completed bench-scale and "in-house" pilot studies of ozonation and biodegradation of Huron River water (Phase 1 of the project). The relationships between total organic carbon (TOC) concentration, biodegradable organic carbon (BDOC), UV-254, and humic substance (HS) concentration were established. The effects of treatment methods on these relationships also were determined. The studies showed that TOC is a very good surrogate parameter for monitoring the transformation of DBP precursors during ozonation and FBT of Huron River water. UV-254 was demonstrated to be an excellent surrogate parameter for HS, which is the major trihalomethane (THM) precursor. These studies also confirmed that a good correlation exists between the nonhumic fraction of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) and biodegradability. It was shown that the nonhumic fraction has a significant effect on the formation of DBPs, particularly THMs. The mathematical models describing the transformation of NOM during ozonation and biodegradation were developed and verified. These models will be used for monitoring the pilot-scale ozonation/FBT system and for the development of process control strategies.
Based on the results of these studies, the design criteria for a 1-gpm pilot-scale ozonation/FBT system were developed. All necessary engineering calculations (vessel sizing, ozone generation, pressure drop calculations, pumps sizing, and so on) were performed. A process design and operation and maintenance manual for the pilot-scale ozonation/FBT system was prepared. This manual includes process description, process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), equipment and instrument specifications, and operation procedures. The experimental and analytical protocols for pilot-scale studies were finalized and the FBT/ozonation system currently is under construction.
We also have started bench-scale and "in-house" pilot studies with water collected at the Monroe Filtration Plant, the second potential site (Phase 2 of the project). These studies are similar to those conducted with Huron River water. Based on these studies, we will determine the feasibility of conducting next pilot testing of the ozonation/FBT system at the Monroe plant.
An invention disclosure was filed with the Michigan State University Office of Intellectual Property in Fall 1999, describing the use of the proposed system for the control of DBPs and regrowth potential. A patent search was commissioned by Michigan State University and has since been completed. We are working with a patent attorney to prepare a patent application?it is anticipated that the patent application will be submitted in early January 2000.
Future Activities:
We will continue experimental studies with water collected at the Monroe Filtration Plant according to the schedule. A patent application for the process under investigation will be filed in early 2000. The construction of the pilot ozonation/FBT system is expected to be completed and installed at the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant in January 2000. We initially planned to contract EFX Systems, Inc., to fabricate the pilot system; however, EFX Systems indicated that it would not be able to accomplish the job with the budget allocated for the construction of the system. For this reason, we had to go through a lengthy bidding process to identify potential contractors. Finally, Envirotech Fabrication Company was contracted for this job. All of this resulted in an unexpected delay in the construction of the pilot system. Nevertheless, we are planning to complete pilot studies at the Ann Arbor Water Treatment Plant by the end of summer or early fall of 2000. The pilot studies at two other sites will be conducted over the last 12 months of the project.Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 14 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
drinking water, ozone, biological treatment, naturally occurring organic matter, disinfection by-products., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Geographic Area, Water, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Drinking Water, Environmental Engineering, EPA Region, public water systems, lake erie, trihalomethanes, disinfection by-products, detroit, monroe, ann arbor, disinfection byproducts (DPBs), regulated DBP, organic matter, biological treatment, michigan, community water system, fluidized bed treatment, DBP precursors, surface water, huron river, treatment, NOM, microbial risk management, naturally occurring organic matter, Wyoming, DBP risk management, water quality, drinking water contaminants, water treatment, DBPs, Region 5, drinking water system, disinfection, ozonation, THMsProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.