Unlike conventional granular media filters which only remove particles, biological filters serve the dual purpose of removing particulates and labile compounds through biodegradation or biotransformation mechanisms. Over the last 15 years, considerable research has been done to advance the science and engineering of surface water biofiltration, focusing on monitoring, tracking, and control strategies, enhancing and engineering biofiltration, leveraging upstream processes, and removing multiple contaminants simultaneously. This project combined that research with extensive biofilter design and operating experience across the water industry to develop a consolidated set of guidelines for the design, operation, maintenance, and monitoring of biologically active rapid‐rate gravity filters; guidelines intended to benefit existing biofiltration plants, filtration plants that intend to convert to biofiltration, and future greenfield biofiltration plants. In short, this project produced the definitive resource for biofiltration design and operation, which will help utilities leverage intentional biofiltration, mitigate unintended consequences, and improve overall biofilter performance.
Brown, J., Upadhyaya, G., Nyfennegger, J., Pope, G., Bassett, S., Evans, A., Carter, J., Nystrom, V., Black, S., Alito, C., Lauderdale, C., Hooper, J., Finnegan, B., Strom, L., Williams Stephens, L., Palmer, E., Dickenson, E., Riley, S., Wert, E., Weinrich, L., and Keenan, P., “Biofiltration Guidance Manual for Drinking Water Facilities.” The Water Research Foundation. December 2020.