| This thesis research demonstrates that the removal rate of biodegradable organic carbon (BDOC), assimilable organic carbon (AOC) and many disinfection by-products is linearly related to the influent concentration, suggesting removal rates can be described by a first-order process. This study focuses on results from a pilot plant study in Edmonton, Alberta and compares results from five other biological water treatment studies where different water sources and operating conditions were experienced.; For Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Chlorine Demand, Haloacetic Acid Formation Potential (HAAFP), Trihalomethane Formation Potential (THMFP), and Adsorbable Organic Halide Formation Potential (AOXFP), a single apparent first-order rate constant can be used to describe the removal. Comparisons with another cold water study displayed the same linearity and a similar first-order rate constant. For these parameters, the calculated apparent rate constants were dependent on empty bed contact time (EBCT).; The analysis of aldehydes revealed that their removal rate is also linearly related to influent concentration. For formaldehyde a single apparent first-order rate constant can be used to describe approximately the removal where operating conditions were similar. For methyl glyoxal, glyoxal, acetaldehyde and propanal, poor linearity was displayed and where reasonable linearity was observed the mechanism for removal was suspected to also include adsorption.; For the removal of AOC, BDOC, HAAFP, and formaldehyde, excellent linearity was displayed for removal rates versus influent concentrations in every study investigated. TOC, Chlorine Demand, THMFP and AOXFP displayed good linearity, particularly in second stage biological filtration. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
