Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Environmental Engineering, Khouzestan Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
2
Department of Environmental Engineering, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran.
3
Department of Environmental Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4
4. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
5
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Filtration is a processing unit in a Drinking Water Treatment Plant (DWTP) that is used to remove particles from the water. This study is the result of pilot-scale research on Gravity Rapid Sand Filter (GRSF). The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the performance of the Triple Media Filter (TMF) (Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) + anthracite + garnet) and Dual-Media Filter (DMF) (anthracite + sand) in the removal of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) as a precursor of Trihalomethanes (THMs) and chlorination Disinfection by-Products (DBPs).
Methods: Filtration rate was performed at conventional (120 m/d) and a high rate (240 m/d) and compared with full-sized Single Media Filter (SMF) with a sand media. The removal efficiency of turbidity, color, and UV absorption at a wavelength of 254 nm (UV254) and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) parameters were investigated. Besides, the Specific Ultraviolet Absorbance (SUVA) was calculated from the ratio of UV254 to DOC.
Results: The results showed that the Multimedia Filter (MMF) at 120 and 240 m/d filtration rate had higher removal efficiency compared with a control SMF in removing measured parameters (p<0.05). Also, similar filters have shown the same efficiency relative to each other in different loading rates and there was an insignificant difference.
Conclusion: MMF can significantly remove organic pollutants and control the formation of DBPs during water treatment. The study suggests that SMF should be replaced with MMF to improve water quality.
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