Pathogen validation of small- and large-scale recycled water plants utilizing various clarification and media filtration technologies

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2024

Authors

Reeve, P.
Marshall, G.
Zhang, P.
Thwaites, B.
van den Akker, B.

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Journal of Water and Health, 2024; 22(11):2132-2145

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Media filters are important in wastewater recycling schemes for pathogen removal. Filter selection depends on health targets and plant scale; however, there is a data gap concerning pathogen removal efficacy at full scale. This study compared the pathogen removal performance of two full-scale filtration technologies, including a small 17,000 m<sup>3</sup>/d pressurized media filtration (PMF) plant and a large 120,000 m<sup>3</sup>/d gravity filter in the form of dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF). The preceding clarification processes were also assessed. Validation of protozoa and virus removal was estimated by dosing model organisms yeast and MS2 bacteriophage to demonstrate removal potential. The DAFF process (coagulation, flotation and filtration) was most efficient at removing bacteriophage with a mean log<sub>10</sub> reduction value (LRV) of 2.90 (±0.64), compared with 0.98 (±0.37) achieved by coagulation, sedimentation and PMF. Yeast log<sub>10</sub> reduction though both systems were similar measuring 3.80 (±1.06) through DAFF and 4.57 (±0.14) through coagulation, sedimentation and PMF. The DAFF process showed greater variability in MS2 and yeast removal, which was attributed to filtration. Energy and chemical usage were also evaluated, revealing trade-offs between these factors, treatment scale and pathogen LRVs, offering practical insights into the technological and economic aspects of designing fit-for-purpose recycled water schemes.

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Data source: Supplementary data, https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2024.263

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Copyright 2024 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence (CC BY 4.0), which permits copying, adaptation and redistribution, provided the original work is properly cited (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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