Biologically Active Carbon (BAC) filtration in drinking water and water reclamation plants can help reduce cost while maintaining water quality. Impact of BAC on the fate of emerging DBPs (i.e. nitrosamines) and its precursors (i.e. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, polymers) has not been well defined. Over 2 years 20 full-scale filters (18 BAC and 2 sand) in 6 utilities were examined to determine their potential for removing nitrosamines and their precursors. Impacts of BAC filter age, pre-treatment conditions (oxidation, coagulants use, etc), and various other operational/water quality indicators on the levels of nitrosamines and their precursors were examined. While various complex interactions exist in full scale systems, a relationship has emerged between BAC filter age and nitrosamines removal. This presentation will discuss the relevance of these data and explore the usefulness of select water quality parameters as potential indicators for nitrosamines formation during BAC treatment.

Impact of biologically active carbon on the removal of emerging DBPs and their precursors

251st National Meeting (2016)

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