AWWA MTC57656

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of electrocoagulation-microfiltration (EC-MF) on the removal of viruses and natural organic matter (NOM) from simulated surface water. The specific objectives of this research were as follows: to compare the virus removal efficiency of EC-MF with chemical coagulation- microfiltration (CC-MF); to compare the NOM removal efficiency of EC-MF with CC-MF; and, to propose a mechanism for removal of virus and NOM by EC-MF. The EC process comprises ferric iron electrocoagulation, which is achieved using electrolytic cells with iron anodes and stainless-steel cathodes. Low voltage direct current (DC) is used as power supply. Source water flows through the cell. The data demonstrated that a bench-scale EC-MF system was capable of meeting the SWTR requirement of 4-log virus removal when 10 mg/L Fe(III) was electrochemically generated into the water. The performance of chemical coagulation ahead of microfiltration was not as good as electrochemical coagulation. The improved removal of viruses and NOM may be due to the improved adsorption of negatively charged MS2 viruses and NOM onto the positively charged iron floc particles. These floc particles are well removed by MF. Includes 6 references, table, figure.