Biological Processes at Saints Hill Water‐Treatment Plant, Kent

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe new treatment plant at Saint's Hill has been operating since May 1992 and biologically treats ground‐water to remove iron, ammonium/ammonia and manganese. The paper describes the project, the processes involved, the significance of pilot‐plant studies, the different stages of commissioning and plant efficiency.This method of treatment, although new to the UK, is well‐established in France, and reference to existing plants using the processes is made for purposes of indicating the range of applicability of biological treatment processes.Specific conditions are required for biological processes. Not all raw waters can be economically treated to produce an environment which is appropriate for bacterial activity. Conditions for biological iron and manganese removal are different. The paper illustrates the importance of pilot studies to establish the feasibility of biological processes and to determine the design parameters for industrial‐scale works.