Many utilities have used monochloramine as a secondary disinfectant for regulatory compliance. Along with the addition of chloramine comes the risk of nitrification. Nitrification in drinking water distribution systems may result in degradation of water quality and non-compliance with existing regulations. It is well known that nitrifying biofilm are involved in nitrification episodes in water utilities. Unfortunately, our understanding of distribution system nitrification and its control is incomplete. The purpose of this research is to address knowledge gaps in our understanding of biofilm control in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems experiencing nitrification. The research demonstrated monochloramine's greater penetration than free chlorine and possible nitrifying biofilm recovery. Overall, this research provides an improved insight into nitrifying biofilm subjected to free chlorine, monochloramine, and excess free ammonia thus allowing further development of better strategies to prevent and control nitrification in water utilities.

Using microelectrodes and live/dead BacLight to compare penetration, activity, and viability within nitrifying biofilm subjected to free chlorine, monochloramine, and free ammonia

244th National Meeting (2012)

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