BOM removal during biofiltration

ABSTRACT Pilot-scale biofiltration experiments were conducted to determine how empty bed contact time (EBCT) and hydraulic loading rate (HLR) affected the removal of biodegradable organic matter (BOM). The removal of BOM formed during ozonation was measured as the reduction (resulting from biodegradation) of dissolved organic carbon in the filter; it was referred to as biodegradable dissolved organic carbon-filter (BDOCfilter). Ten ozone by-products were measured to understand the composition of BDOCfilter and to assess whether these by-products might be used as a surrogate for BOM; none sufficed. BOM formed during ozonation limited the removal of BDOC during biofiltration with two exceptions: nonsteady-state BOM loading conditions and inadequate EBCT. Both of these conditions were limited by biomass formation. HLR had no effect on BDOCfilter even though markedly different biomass profiles were observed.