Process Optimization, Molecular Microbial Characterization, and Biofilm Modeling of a Bioreactor for Perchlorate Removal from Drinking Water

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

0123342 Raskin The objective of this research is to develop and optimize biologically active carbon (BAC) filtration systems to remove low concentrations of perchlorate from drinking water. These systems must produce water that meets all regulatory standards, is biologically stable so that its quality does not degrade during distribution, is free of odorous substances, and has a low chlorine demand so that excessive chlorination by-product formation will not be an issue. The proposed research could result in an efficient, bench-scale perchlorate treatment process that can produce water meeting these requirements. The specific objectives are: (1) to develop methods for microbial identification and quantification in BAC filters, (2) to develop a biofilm modeling approach for optimizing BAC filter operation and design, and (3) to integrate process engineering optimization, microbial characterization and biofilm modeling. ***