When designed and operated properly, slow-rate
biological filters (e.g. slow sand or riverbank filters) are
successful at removing pathogens such as Escherichia
coli for drinking water treatment. However, the exact
mechanisms involved with pathogen removal in the
schmutzdecke have not been well-defined. A better
understanding of the removal mechanisms at work in
biofilters will allow engineers to design more effective
filters and allow operators to improve performance by
creating conditions amenable to the most important
removal mechanisms.
Water suppliers can use the findings reported in this
article to improve the performance of existing biofilters
by adjusting operations in ways that increase biofilm
growth and activity and protistan activity in the
schmutzdecke. They can also structure pilot studies to
improve design or operation by focusing on the removal
mechanisms presented in the article. It is hoped that the
information in this article will encourage suppliers to
consider biological filtration as an alternative to other
treatment technologies for meeting regulatory standards
or their internal water quality goals. Includes 29 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 100 - No. 12 |
| Number of Pages : | 14 |
| Published : | 12/01/2008 |
