The results obtained during this study reinforced the potential of ozonation/biofiltration to
control organics, ozone byproducts (OBP) and chlorinated disinfection byproducts
(DBP) formation precursors. A total of six halaoacetic acids (HAA6) and total trihalomethanes
(TTHM) measured in the filters were in compliance with Stage 1 of the
Disinfection Byproduct Rule. Most substrates were removed within 3 minutes of empty
bed contact time (EBCT) and, in general, additional contact times contribute very little to
enhance biofilter performance. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was removed up to
30% and high removal of ozone byproducts was obtained in all filters (i.e., 65 to 84%),
regardless of temperature regime. Implementation of second-stage ozonation resulted in
significant ozone savings while maintaining similar CT credit and biofilter performance
than first-stage biofiltration. Optimization of ozone oxidation placement in the treatment
train resulted in a reduction of 20% in applied ozone. Biomass and microbial activity
measurements correlated well with filter performance. Filters operated at cold
temperatures performed as well as the ambient filters, after proper acclimation. Includes 10 references, tables, figures.