How To Avoid Byproduct Formation When Using An Ozone And Biologically Active Filtration System

By Uwe Hübner, PhD, and Joseph Jordan

Water and wastewater authorities throughout the U.S. are showing increasing interest in ozonation and biologically active filtration (O3-BAF) systems, due to their ability to handle a range of challenging organic micropollutants (OMPs), such as pharmaceuticals, household and industrial chemicals, as well as aromatic rings, amine groups, and reduced sulfur groups.

However, any time a water treatment technology requires the use of chemicals –– including ozone and chlorine –– there are concerns about byproduct formation and their potential impact on people, the environment, and even infrastructure. This highlights the need for the complete water matrix to be examined and understood during equipment design to ensure the appropriate technology and dosing strategy is being applied. While byproducts can form in an O3-BAF system, operators can take steps to mitigate them.

This article will cover the different types of byproducts that can occur, along with specific examples, and what is needed to reduce their presence in the final effluent.