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Microspheres as Surrogates for Cryptosporidium Filtration
Author(s) -
Emelko Monica B.,
Huck Peter M.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2004.tb10577.x
Subject(s) - filtration (mathematics) , microsphere , cryptosporidium parvum , pilot plant , cryptosporidium , chromatography , particle (ecology) , particle size , polystyrene , pulp and paper industry , chemistry , environmental science , materials science , mathematics , microbiology and biotechnology , chemical engineering , biology , engineering , composite material , feces , polymer , ecology , statistics , organic chemistry
Pilot‐scale studies were conducted to determine if polystyrene microspheres are reasonable surrogates for Cryptosporidium parvum removal by filtration. Previously reported data from a conventional pilot plant using a high coagulant dose optimized for combined total organic carbon and particle removal were contrasted with data from a pilot‐scale, in‐line filtration plant using a low coagulant dose optimized for particle removal. The removal of oocysts and microspheres was investigated during optimal operation as well as periods of process challenge and ranged from 0.5 log to >5 logs. When data over a wide range of operating conditions (and oocyst and microsphere removals) were available, approximately linear relationships were discerned (the coefficient of determination [ R 2 ] ranged from 0.74 to 0.96). Although the exact relationship between oocyst and microsphere removals by filtration was somewhat site‐specific, it was demonstrated that oocyst‐sized microspheres are a useful tool during filtration‐optimization studies and performance assessments.