In Puerto Rico, high levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) have been problematic over the years for the
Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), especially during and after
severe tropical storms and hurricanes. A Pilot Plant Study approach was
proposed as part of the Action Plan adopted by Compania de Aguas de Puerto
Rico (CAPR-Vivendi) and PRASA to reduce formation of DBPs as well as
maintain compliance with current and future filtered water turbidity requirements
in the Metropolitan San Juan Water System. The advanced treatment pilot plant
located at the Sergio Cuevas Water Filtration Plant was designed to evaluate
treatment processes and techniques necessary for meeting multiple drinking
water quality objectives. The study completed its 5 phases of investigation in
September 2001 which included a comparison between conventional flocculation
and ballasted flocculation (ACTIFLO(R)) before the sedimentation step (phases 1
and 2), and a comparison between dual-media filtration, microfiltration and
inter-ozonation coupled with inter-ozonation (phases 3, 4 and 5). The
information obtained through the last three phases of the study clearly indicated
that ozonation coupled with biological activated carbon (BAC) filtration not only helps minimize trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA)
formation potentials but also provides good control of effluent turbidity and
manganese levels. This combination (ballasted flocculation + biofiltration) offers
a superior finished water quality in terms of minimal organic content and low DBP
formation potentials. Its implementation would however require special
monitoring of bromate formation as a result of ozonation. Ballasted flocculation
combined with microfiltration offers a great barrier against suspended solids.
Includes table, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 320 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 10 |
| Published : | 06/15/2003 |
