Microbial Dynamics in GAC Filtration of Potable Water
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 109, Issue 4
Abstract
The Manchester, New Hampshire water treatment plant employs granular activated carbon and full conventional treatment. An 18 month sampling program to determine the effect of GAC upon finished water microbial quality was conducted. The GAC bed itself promoted the regrowth of standard plate count organisms, but had no effect on coliforms, endotoxins, or acidfast organisms. This regrowth did not occur in a rapid sand filter immediately upstream of the GAC contactor. The regrowth of organisms within the GAC bed could be correlated with temperature, and chlorine residual. Following terminal chlorination, the increased microbial levels were reduced and no problems attributable to GAC were noted in the subsequent distribution system.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 109 • Issue 4 • August 1983
Pages: 956 - 961
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 ASCE.
History
Published online: Aug 1, 1983
Published in print: Aug 1983
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