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DEGRADATION OF TRACE ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN DRINKING WATER BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE FILTERS
Impact/Purpose:
This research will investigate and model the effects of biological filter design and behavior on trace micropollutant biodegradation by attached microorganisms under drinking water conditions. In addition, biofiltration can be cast into the regulatory framework by viewing it as a “treatment technique” for the control of biodegradable micropollutants.
Description:
It is expected that the majority of micropollutants will be biodegradable to varying degrees with short acclimation periods for most micropollutants. In addition, once acclimated the biological filters retain the capacity to biodegrade micropollutants if there is an absence of exposure for less than 6 months. Nitrifying biological filters also will be able to biodegrade different sets of micropollutants than carbonaceous biological filters.
Potential to Further Environmental / Human Health Protection
Biological filtration can reduce the exposure to micropollutants in drinking water. Once the capabilities and limitations are known, biological filtration can be used as a treatment technology for the removal of micropollutants in future regulations.