Fate of bulk and trace organics during a simulated aquifer recharge and recovery (ARR)-ozone hybrid process

Min Yoon, Jorg Drewes, Gary L. Amy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

The attenuation of bulk organic matter and trace organic contaminants (TOrCs) was evaluated for various aquifer recharge and recovery (ARR)-ozone (O3) hybrid treatment process combinations using soil-batch reactor and bench-scale ozonation experiments as a proof of concept prior to pilot and/or field studies. In water reclamation and especially potable reuse, refractory bulk organic matter and TOrCs are of potential health concern in recycled waters. In this study, the role of biotransformation of bulk organic matter and TOrCs was investigated considering different simulated treatment combinations, including soil passage (ARR) alone, ARR after ozonation (O3-ARR), and ARR prior to ozonation (ARR-O3). During oxic (aerobic) ARR simulations, soluble microbial-like substances (e.g., higher molecular weight polysaccharides and proteins) were easily removed while (lower molecular weight) humic substances and aromatic organic matter were not efficiently removed. During ARR-ozone treatment simulations, removals of bulk organic matter and TOrCs were rapid and effective compared to ARR alone. A higher reduction of effluent-derived organic matter, including aromatic organic matter and humic substances, was observed in the ARR-O3 hybrid followed by the O3-ARR hybrid. An enhanced attenuation of recalcitrant TOrCs was observed while increasing the ozone dose slightly (O3: DOC=1). TOrC removal efficiency also increased during the post-ozone treatment combination (i.e., ARR-O3). In addition, the carcinogenic wastewater disinfection byproduct N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was eliminated below the method reporting limit (<5ngL-1) both during ARR treatment alone and the ARR-ozone hybrid. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2055-2062
Number of pages8
JournalChemosphere
Volume93
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2013

Bibliographical note

KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01
Acknowledgements: This study was funded by WateReuse Research Foundation project WRF 08-05 (Use of ozone in water reclamation for contaminant oxidation), discretionary funds provided by KAUST, and a SABIC postdoctoral fellowship award. The comments and views detailed herein may not necessary reflect the views of the WateReuse Research Foundation, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates or agents. The authors would like to thank collaborators at the Applied Research and Development Center at the Southern Nevada Water Authority for the analysis of TOrCs and also thank Dr. Daniel Gerrity for assisting and providing constructive feedback.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • General Chemistry

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