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BIOFILM FORMATION IN GRANULAR‐BED FILTERS
Author(s) -
Kaur P.,
Fitzpatrick C. S. B.,
Kerr C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.2003.tb00451.x
Subject(s) - biofilm , filtration (mathematics) , slow sand filter , sand filter , filter (signal processing) , water treatment , bacteria , environmental engineering , pulp and paper industry , environmental science , water quality , chemistry , biology , ecology , wastewater , engineering , mathematics , statistics , genetics , electrical engineering
A high microbiological quality of drinking water must be ensured to protect public health. The filtration techniques that are used in treating drinking water play an important role; however, a biofilm can form on granular‐media filters and the accumulated bacteria can slough off and enter the filtered water. The aim of this research was to examine (a) the potential for biofilm formation and detachment from filter sand, and (b) the effect of different backwash regimes on biofilm removal. During the operation of the filter, bacteria became attached to the sand media, particularly in the top 30 mm of the filter bed. A water‐only backwash at 20% and 40% bed expansion demonstrated poor removal of biofilm throughout the depth of the bed. Collapse‐pulsing is a more efficient method and results in a reduction in the number of bacteria in the filtered water.