AWWA WQTC69479

The objective of this study was to explore the biodegradation of halogenated disinfection byproducts through rapid sand filtration in plants practicing prechlorination. Five water treatment plants using surface water and practicing prechlorination were investigated in this study. The total organic carbon (TOC) concentration was analyzed by persulfate oxidation method (OI analytical, College Station, TX, USA). The trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) concentrations were analyzed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) method 551.1 and 552.3, respectively. Other water quality parameters, such as temperature and pH, were analyzed on site. Chlorine tolerance threshold determination, effects of backwashes on HAA removal, and microbial community analysis are all discussed. Includes 10 references, figures.