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AWWA ACE54523
- Membrane Filtration and Microbial Risk: Operational Limitations
- Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 06/01/2001
- Publisher: AWWA
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Historically, the control of microbial organisms has been the fundamental principle of potable water treatment. The cornerstone of conventional treatment technology has long been the dual barrier of chemical disinfection and filtration, both designed primarily with the objective of eliminating the threat of human pathogens in drinking water supplies. In recent years, new treatment technologies have emerged that hold the promise of improved pathogen control, allowing chemical disinfection, and consequently, disinfection byproducts to be minimized. Membrane filtration--microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF)-- is one such promising new technology that represents a potential absolute barrier to pathogenic organisms. However, despite an abundance of research demonstrating the ability of membrane filtration to reduce pathogen concentrations to levels well below what is possible using conventional treatment, regulatory agencies have been reluctant to grant MF and UF removal creditscommensurate with their abilities. A study commissioned by the EPA and conducted in conjunction with the team of Malcolm Pirnie, Separation Processes, and CH2M Hill examined the reasons for this apparent discrepancy and its regulatory implications. Includes 3 references.