TOC removal in biological filters

Laboratory-scale biologically active sand filters were used to evaluate the effect of natural organic matter (NOM) source and empty bed contact time (EBCT) on the removal of total organic carbon (TOC) from coagulated and ozonated NOM solutions. Ozonation at dosages in the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mg ozone/mg TOC were used to enhance biodegradation of the organic matter. TOC removal in the biofilters ranged from 16 to 33 percent of the biofilter influent concentration. TOC removal was significantly affected by the source of the organic carbon but was independent of EBCT in the range of 4 to 20 min. In the context of an entire water treatment plan, including coagulation and biofiltration, the contribution of biofiltration to TOC removal was relatively small compared with total removals across the entire treatment train. In one biofiltration experiment, however, removal of the biodegradable fraction of TOC was 100 percent, suggesting that biofilters may be effective in reducing subsequent regrowth in distribution systems.