Effect of Pre-Ozonation on Organics Removal by In-Line Direct Filtration

A pilot-scale study of the effects of pre-ozonation on the performance of in-line direct filtration was carried out. Performance measures included filtered water turbidity, unit filter run volumes, and organics in filtered waters: DOC, UV254, AOC and DBPs. Continuous operation of four dual media GAC/sand filters with and without pre-ozonation and chlorinated backwash and a dual media anthracite/sand filter were compared to full-scale performance. Pre-ozonation frequently results in longer filter runs, causes a twofold increase in raw water AOC and has little effect on raw water DOC. GAC/sand filters consistently reduced the AOC in the ozone train to levels below that of the full-scale plant and also provided 25 % lower DOC levels as compared to anthracite/sand filters. The effect of ozone and filtration on chlorinated DBPs followed overall DOC removal while DBPs created by ozonation followed AOC removal trends.