AWWA WQTC63999

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of an electrochemical process as an alternative disinfection/oxidation strategy for water treatment, as several oxidants can be simultaneously formed during the process. Studies on electrochemical processes have shown the production of free chlorine, as well as smaller amounts of stronger oxidants, such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide and OH radicals. The key reactive species formed during electrolysis were successfully isolated and detected, employing specifically devised analytical set-ups, which enable the detection of time varied residual oxidants using an on-line real time monitoring scheme. With the use Bacillus subtilis spores, which are used as a biological surrogate of Cryptosporidium oocysts, the inactivation efficiency of an electrochemical method was evaluated. A much improved inactivation rate was observed for Bacillus subtilis spores during the electrochemical process compared to the commonly used disinfection practice, chlorination. Additionally, the formation characteristics of DBPs during electrolysis was studied by monitoring inorganic byproducts, such as bromate (BrO₃^-) and chlorate (ClO,sub>3^-). Includes 18 references, figures.