AWWA JAW63373

One of the most common taste and odor problems reported by utilities is the presence of an earthy/musty odor caused by geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). This bench-scale study demonstrates the potential of biofiltration following simulated ozonation as well as biofiltration alone for the removal of these compounds under different operational factors including temperature, media type, geosmin and MIB concentration, and level of biodegradable organic matter (BOM). Experiments were conducted using four parallel dual media filter columns containing biologically active anthracite or granular activated carbon media and sand. Dechlorinated tap water to which geosmin and MIB were added was used as the source water. The first round of experiments used a high BOM level to simulate water that had been subjected to ozonation before filtration. The second round of experiments used a low BOM level to simulate nonozonated water. Results show that all four main factors were important to both geosmin and MIB removals and demonstrate the feasibility with which biofiltration may be used to combat these odorous compounds. Includes 31 references, tables, figures.