Using RSSCTs to predict field‐scale GAC control of DBP formation

Abstract

For this water, the laboratory‐based RSSCTs effectively predicted the field‐scale behavior of three types of GACs for controlling DBPs.The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the use of the rapid small‐scale column test (RSSCT) for predicting the control of disinfection by‐product (DBP) formation by granular activated carbon (GAC). DBP formation was assessed by using a simulated distribution system (SDS) test and measuring trihalomethanes and total organic halide in the influent and effluent of the laboratory‐ and field‐scale columns. It was observed that for the water studied, the RSSCTs effectively predicted the nonadsorbable fraction, time to 50 percent breakthrough, and the shape of the breakthrough curve for DBP formation. The advantage of RSSCTs is that conclusions about the amenability of a GAC for DBP control can be reached in a short time period instead of at the end of a long‐term pilot study. The authors recommend that similar studies be conducted with a range of source waters because the effectiveness of GAC is site‐specific.