| Abstract: | In order to examine the Corg flow in rapid sand filter columns for the elimination of iron and manganese, reduced groundwater was treated in a pilot plant consisting of a trickling filter column (TF I) followed by a wet type filter column (WF II) and a separate wet type filter column (WF sep). Additionally the effect of filtration on BOM was studied by measuring AOC and BDOC. The biological processes in TF I and WF sep led to an elimination of iron, ammonia, and manganese. Moreover, the filtration decreased the NOM content. 21% and 23% of the TOC were eliminated in TF I and in WF sep, respectively. WF II caused no significant Corg reduction. The calculation of the Corg flow in the filter columns showed that bacteria took part in the TOC elimination. From the TOC removed, about 24% was eliminated by metabolic activities of the bacterial population whereas 86% was adsorbed onto iron sludge. Similar results were obtained for the TF I column and for the WF sep column as well. The calculated Corg flow was confirmed by the BDOC measurements. The filtration process led to a BDOC decrease. TF I and WF sep reduced appoximately 35% of the biodegradable organic carbon. In contrast there was no significant elimination by WF II. The AOC results suggest that an AOC production and an AOC elimination process exist in rapid sand filters for groundwater treatment. In the trickling filter column significant AOC production was found, whereas in the wet type filter columns AOC elimination was predominating. |
