AWWA WQTC69347

This paper summarizes the practical applicability of a previously developed index of contact time for biofiltration, X*. In addition to empty bed contact time, X* contains other factors that are important for performance: the reactor surface area available for biofilm development; and, substrate biodegradability and diffusivity. This paper also discusses the application of X* to the removal of trace contaminants (e.g. pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting substances, or odorous compounds such as geosmin) and to the use of biofiltration as a membrane pretreatment to reduce fouling. Thus, X* is presented as an overall unifying parameter. The last section of the paper describes a recently introduced practically-oriented parameter, the Biofiltration Factor (BF). The use of this parameter, which is directly related to X*, is proposed for biofiltration design and operation, once some additional work has been undertaken. Includes 10 references.