Hybrid ozonation-ceramic membrane filtration of surface waters: The effect of water characteristics on permeate flux and the removal of DBP precursors, dicloxacillin and ceftazidime

The removal of the disinfection byproducts (DBPs) precursors, antibiotics dicloxacilline and ceftazidime by hybrid ozonation membrane filtration (HOMF) has been studied in three surface waters (Lake Huron, Lake Lansing and Huron River). This study demonstrates that, compared to membrane filtration, HOMF significantly improves the removal of dicloxacilline, ceftazidime, and disinfection byproduct precursors. At a sufficiently high ozone dosage, the concentrations of the two antibiotics in the permeate were reduced to below the detection limits in the three waters studied. Significant reductions in total organic carbon (TOC), specific UV absorbance (SUVA), and chlorinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) were also achieved, suggesting that the system could also be effective at controlling the formation of DBPs during chlorination. The fouling behavior of the system was also studied. The degree of fouling was greater in waters with a high TOC and/or alkalinity. Alkalinity adversely affected the removal of the antibiotics and the ability of ozone to control fouling. The effect of alkalinity can be attributed to the scavenging of hydroxyl (OH) radicals by carbonate species.