Changes in the microbiological water quality associated with using granular activated carbon in drinking water treatment processes

Abstract EN

Granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used in drinking water treatment for removal of organic compounds, primarily taste, odor, turbidity and the by-products formed during disinfection process.

The possibility of replacement the rapid sand filter in the conventional treatment process by activated carbon filter was considered and the effect on microbiological quality of water produced was studied.

The study was carried out using columns containing different filter media.

The column design and operation affect on the microbiological community structure of both the treated water and the existed microorganisms on activated carbon granules.

GAC provide a suitable attachment site for microbial proliferation and biofilm formation which may slough out causing high microbial content in the effluent.

Microbial growth has raised the concern about potential health risk associated with the possibility of presence of opportunistic pathogens among the bacterial population.

In addition these microorganisms may resist the disinfection process or antagonists to coliform detection.

The duration period of using the filter media was studied as an important factor in determining the life time of GAC after which replacement or washing and reactivation is necessary.

This work will assist to make a good decision whether to use GAC as a replacement for conventional media or to design and build a new system specifically for GAC.