A comparison of ozonation systems with respect to disinfection by-product formation and microbial inactivation

grantor: University of TorontoThe application of ozone to drinking water was examined using bench-scale and pilot-scale systems over a range of operating conditions. The effects of pH, temperature, and reactor configuration on disinfection by-product formation and 'Bacillus subtilis' spore inactivation were investigated and assessed as to their statistical significance. Temperature and pH were shown to significantly effect bromate formation, while reactor configuration did not have a significant impact. The parameters examined (pH, temperature, reactor configuration) had varying effects on aldehyde and carboxylic acid formation. 'Bacillus subtilis' inactivation was shown to be significantly impacted by temperature and reactor configuration, while pH effects were not significant. In addition, observed 'Bacillus subtilis' inactivation results were compared to published 'Cryptosporidium' inactivation data. Results suggest that 'Bacillus subtilis' may have the potential to serve as an indicator organism and thereby aid in assessment of adequate 'Cryptosporidium' inactivation.M.A.Sc