Investigation and analysis at full and pilot scale on operational procedures of biofiltration unit processes in drinking water treatment

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Biological filtration is touted as one of few methods in drinking water treatment that can reduce chemicalrequirements and energy needs in drinking water facilities. In fact, the Water Environment Foundation (2013)further states "In North America, there is a lack of available and robust tools for monitoring and control of BF(biofiltration). Identification, validation, and use of monitoring and control tools are necessary to establish BF(biofiltration) as a process that can be controlled and whose performance can be predicted." It is impossible todetermine how to run a biofilter without having the tools to effectively monitor its performance. The full scaleresearch project will assess a suite of analytical methods to contribute to the overall knowledge base andspecifically to support the Drinking Water Services Group in the City of Ottawa, in identifying methods tomonitor and maintain their biofilters in optimum conditions. At full scale the carbon removal will be assessedin a variety of mechanisms for a 12 month period, and will include the evaluation of monitoring tools whichcould be used to help meet future needs and expectations on how to monitor biofiltration processes. Further, apilot scale comparison of biolfiltration and conventional filtration with different chlorine loads and backwashwash conditions will be examined. This research will provide data on disinfection byproduct control, headlossdevelopment, and turbidity removal under various conditions. Identification and validation will provide ascientific and technical advance for the water industry in operating biofilters. From a commercial perspective,this would provide water treatment equipment suppliers information on what tools they can market and provideto their customers in order to better improve and operate biofilters in their plants. From a social andenvironmental perspective the outcomes are also clear - this project will facilitate drinking water treatmentplant staff will be able to better operate their facilities which can lead to a safer and more sustainable (throughreduced chemical and energy use) water production. Finally, the water industry benefits by advancing the fieldof treatment processes and adding highly qualified personnel (HQP) in the water treatment field.