Spatial and temporal development of microorganisms and the effect of clogging in up-flow sand filter

Farhana Abd Lahin and Rosalam Sarbatly and Chiam Chel Ken (2024) Spatial and temporal development of microorganisms and the effect of clogging in up-flow sand filter. International Journal of Technology, 16 (1). pp. 1-10.

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Abstract

Up-flow sand filtration is an excellent alternative to point-of-use treatment for rural water supply. However, the sites and interval of microorganism growth in filter beds and the effect on bioclogging remain unknown. This study aimed to assess microorganism growth based on biological activity levels using Dissolved Oxygen (DO) consumption and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) imaging in various zones of the filter bed. Additionally, pressure drop was monitored to evaluate bio-clogging. The results showed that microorganism activities differed within the 0.50 m up-flow sand filter bed during 8 weeks of acclimatization. Exponential growth started after day 35, and DO levels declined to a minimum of 2 mg/L at 0.10 m bed height (measured from the bottom) after day 46. At 0.30 m and 0.50 m height, the DO decreased to 0.8 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L after days 35 and 46, respectively. FE-SEM images confirmed microorganism growth on samples from 0.1 m after 4 weeks of acclimatization. Substantial growth was seen on samples of 0.10 and 0.30 m height at 8 weeks, while lesser growth was observed on samples of 0.50 m. The pressure drop showed no significant increase, signifying that clogging did not occur during the 135- day operational period. In conclusion, the up-flow configuration prevented bio-clogging in sand filters, reducing maintenance requirements.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Acclimatization; Clogging; Microorganism; Sand filter; Up-flow
Subjects:	T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD1-1066 Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD201-500 Water supply for domestic and industrial purposes > TD429.5-480.7 Water purification. Water treatment and conditioning. Saline water conversion
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User:	ABDULLAH BIN SABUDIN -
Date Deposited:	07 Mar 2025 11:25
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2025 11:25
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/43064

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