Controlling Cryptosporidium oocysts Using Conventional Treatment

Abstract

Fourteen pilot‐scale tests were performed to assess the ability of conventional treatment to control Cryptosporidium oocysts and three surrogates: turbidity, total particle count, and aerobic endospores. Cryptosporidium oocysts were fed into the raw water at a target concentration of 106/L for 30–71 h in each test. The effects of coagulant type, coagulant dose, raw water quality, filter loading rates, and filter media were evaluated. Under optimal coagulation conditions, conventional treatment achieved more than 4‐log total Cryptosporidium removal, and surrogate log removals were conservative (low with respect to Cryptosporidium).