Using catalytic ozonation and biofiltration to decrease the formation of disinfection by-products

The effect of catalytic ozonation in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR) on the formation of individual disinfection by-products (DBPs) was investigated. A biofiltration column was used to evaluate the removal efficiency of biotreatment on DBP precursors. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC), simulated distribution system trihalomethanes (SDS THMs), and six simulated distribution system haloacetic acids (SDS HAA6) were monitored. The source water was polluted by domestic and agricultural effluents. Catalytic ozonation removed the concentration of DOC by 8.2–51.4% depending on the dosage of the catalyst. The decreases of SDS THMs and SDS HAA6 were 41.3–51.2% and 31.7–48.3%, respectively, under the same operating conditions. Biotreatment greatly improved the removal efficiency of DOC and decreased the formation of DBPs. Up to 81.7%, 76.1%, and 81.3% of DOC, SDS THMs precursors, and SDS HAA6 precursors were removed after the catalytic ozonation followed by biofiltration, respectively. The treatment processes also influenced the proportions of individual DBP species. The proportion of bromine-containing species from the SDS THMs and SDS HAA6 increased in water samples after being treated by biofiltration alone, ozonation alone, catalytic ozonation, and catalytic ozonation followed by biofiltration.