Process benefits of ozone/BAC as pretreatment to membrane-based advanced treatment for direct potable reuse

Abstract

The state of California, USA, has developed regulations for projects that want to pursue direct potable reuse. One of the most significant requirements is that the treatment train must include ozone and biological activated carbon (ozone/BAC) as pretreatment to a membrane-based treatment train. Ozone/BAC mitigates chemical peaks and diversifies the removal mechanisms of low molecular weight compounds likely to persist in advanced treated water. This paper will present the process benefits of ozone/BAC as pretreatment to the membrane-based treatment train based on testing at a 3,785 m3/d demonstration facility in San Diego, California, USA. One of the most significant benefits of ozone/BAC pretreatment is the improved water quality that benefits not only the product water produced for potable consumption but also the residual stream that is generated with the implementation of the RO process, commonly known as RO concentrate. This improved water quality originates from TOC reduction which is achieved through a combination of chemical oxidation with ozonation and biological growth in the BAC process that results in reduced operating pressures and chemical use for the membrane systems. These process benefits were quantified to develop an overall water cost comparison between a DPR and an indirect potable reuse train. HIGHLIGHTS Benefits of O3/BAC for potable reuse are substantial but underappreciated.; O3/BAC-MF-RO-UV/AOP treatment train provides a greater degree of public health protection.; The experimental DPR treatment train operated at lower O&M costs compared to FAT.; Benefits were quantified for a 30-year basis and show that this train has a similar cost despite higher CAPEX.; O3/BAC-based DPR treatment trains are economically viable.;

Keywords

• bac
• chemical peaks
• cost of water
• direct potable reuse
• low molecular weight compounds
• ozone