由于之前关于硅藻土（DE）过滤去除隐孢子虫卵囊的研究规模相对较小，因此本研究旨在确定DE在中试水平上的性能，以及在大于许多州监管机构允许的流速下的性能。本研究使用了小型水系统常用的中等渗透性DE，以提供经济的水处理。研究发现，隐孢子虫卵囊的去除率为1 gpm/sq ft（2。 5 m/h）时的平均清除量为6.25根，2 gpm/sp ft（5 m/h）时的平均清除量为6.31根。此外，平均浊度水平和颗粒浓度在2 gpm/sp ft（5 m/h）时较低。在2 gpm/sp ft（5 m/h）条件下，这些相同或更好性能的发现具有重要意义，因为许多监管机构——因此也包括市政水供应商——在历史上一直将反滤器的运行限制在1 gpm/sp ft（2.5 m/h）。这些发现也很重要，因为它们清楚地表明，与传统或直接颗粒培养基过滤相比，去过滤能够大大降低隐孢子虫卵囊的浓度。 本文总结的数据支持考虑将DE作为更广泛适用的隐孢子虫控制替代方案；它们还支持将反过滤作为一种重要的替代方案，用于更广泛的应用，包括更大的工厂规模、更高的过滤速率和反冲洗处理应用。包括22个参考文献、表格和图表。

Because previous studies of diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration for Cryptosporidium oocyst removal have been conducted on a relatively small scale, this study was designed to determine the performance capability of DE at the pilot-scale level and at a flow rate greater than that permitted by many state regulatory agencies. This study used DE of moderate permeability that is commonly used by smaller water systems to provide economical water treatment. It found that Cryptosporidium oocyst removals at a flow rate of 1 gpm/sq ft (2.5 m/h) averaged 6.25 logs and removals at 2 gpm/sp ft (5 m/h) averaged 6.31 logs. In addition, average turbidity levels and particle concentrations were lower at 2 gpm/sp ft (5 m/h). These findings of equal or better performance at 2 gpm/sp ft (5 m/h) are significant because many regulatory agencies - and consequently municipal water suppliers - have historically restricted operation of DE filters to 1 gpm/sp ft (2.5 m/h). The findings are also important because they clearly show that DE filtration is capable of providing far greater reduction in Cryptosporidium oocyst concentrations than is provided by conventional or direct granular media filtration. The data summarized in this article support consideration of DE as a more broadly applicable alternative for Cryptosporidium control; they also support including DE filtration as a serious alternative for a much broader range of applications that include larger plant sizes, higher filtration rates, and backwash treatment applications. Includes 22 references, tables, figures.