The perchlorate anion (ClO4-) has been found in potentially harmful concentrations in
numerous water sources. Because perchlorate is not removed by conventional water
treatment processes, new treatment processes are needed. Biological perchlorate reduction
is a promising alternative. The authors investigated a hydrogen-oxidizing hollow-fiber
membrane-biofilm reactor system for perchlorate removal. Hydrogen is an ideal electron
donor for biological drinking water treatment because it presents no toxicity, is inexpensive,
and is unlikely to persist as a source of biological instability in distributions systems. The
reactor delivers hydrogen in an efficient and safe manner. Results showed that biological
perchlorate reduction takes place concurrently with nitrate reduction, no specialized
inoculation is required, and perchlorate can be removed to below the preliminary regulatory
standards with no chemical addition other than hydrogen gas. The optimal pH is 8, and the
accumulation of intermediates is unlikely. Full denitrification and pH control may be required
for excellent perchlorate removal.
Includes 76 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 94 - No. 11 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 250 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 12 |
| Published : | 11/01/2002 |
