AWWA WQTC59007

Pilot plant studies both on riverbank filtrate and surface water were performed to gain knowledge on biodegradation processes in bilogical activated carbon (BAC) and its interaction with adsorption processes. The research in the pilot plant treating riverbank filtrate focuses on the removal of pesticides. BAC filters were more effective in removing pesticides than granular activated carbon (GAC) filters. This is probably caused by reduced competition with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as a result of biodegradation of DOC. The research in the pilot plant treating surface water focuses on biodegradation of organic matter. Biomass build-up measured by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on carbon lasted 9 months, which is slower than the 2 months start-up time of rapid and slow sand filters. Biodegradation decreases with bed depth due to the decrease in the concentration of biodegradable compounds. Oxygen consumption did not correlate well with assimilable organic carbon (AOC) removal, DOC removal and ATP on carbon. This is probably due to the effects of simultaneous adsorption. It is suggested that the efficiency of ATP increases with increasing temperature. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.