THM Precursor Removal in the Rapid Small-Scale Column Test

The removal of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) is a major concern within the drinking water industry. These DBPs are formed by reactions between the disinfectants added at a water purification plant and organic matter present in the water at the time of disinfection. In order to reduce DBPs, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEP A) is studying various treatment technologies to remove organics before disinfectants are added. This thesis contains research on a bench-scale granular activated carbon (GAC) process that has proven to remove organics and predict full-scale results. In order to determine the feasibility of DBP removal processes, the USEP A promulgated the Information Collection Rule (ICR). The ICR required large public utilities treating total organic carbon (TOC) laden water to conduct bench- and pilot-scale studies to collect data on cost effectiveness and performance of the treatment technologies being used. In order to save time and money, the rapid small-scale column test (RSSCT) was recommended as a bench-scale method to collect the data for the activated carbon alternative. The objective of this thesis was to assemble the RSSCT and test the procedure for the removal of organics from a blended surface and ground water source in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The research included comparing two different brands of carbon, two different particle sizes, and two different empty bed contact times (EBCTs)