Full-Scale Application of Catalytic Ozonation for Drinking Water Treatment: Case Study in China

A combination process of biofiltration, conventional treatment, catalytic ozonation and upflow biological activated carbon (BAC) is adopted for treating micropolluted raw water in Guanjinggang waterworks in China, and the present investigation mainly focuses on the effect of catalytic ozonation on the performance of BAC and on water quality over a long period of 699 days. The quality of finished water produced by the combination process is found to fully meet the drinking water standard of China. The removal efficiency of CODMn by catalytic ozonation is usually in the range of 10-20%, and this removal efficiency is independent of the CODMn concentration of the influent and water temperature. Catalytic ozonation can enhance the biodegradability of the effluent, and favors the following BAC. Catalytic ozonation also removes some ammonia and transforms organic nitrogen into NH4+-N. A slight increase of turbidity and manganese ion levels after catalytic ozonation are also found in many cases. Overall, the effectiveness of pollutant removal and the low operation cost make catalytic ozonation suitable for micropolluted raw water treatment in developing countries. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.