Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide in groundwater can be oxidized by aerobic bacteria to form elemental sulfur and biomass. While this treatment approach is effective for conversion of hydrogen sulfide, it is important to have adequate control of the biomass exiting the biological treatment system to prevent release of elemental sulfur into the distribution system. Pilot scale tests were conducted on a Florida groundwater to evaluate the use of two-stage upflow filtration downstream of biological sulfur oxidation. The combined biological and filtration process was capable of excellent removal of hydrogen sulfide and associated turbidity. Additional benefits of this treatment approach include elimination of odor generation, reduction of chlorine demand, and improved stability of the finished water.
Acknowledgments
The assistance and technical support of Covanta Water Systems and DSS Environmental, Inc., was an integral component of this project. Assistance with the initial set-up and technical support on the filter system from Don Storrier and Mike sSouthworth of Covanta Water Systems is highly appreciated. The assistance of Sam Marfat and staff at the Lithia Water Plant in set-up and operation of the pilot unit is appreciated. Several students from USF assisted with this project. Benjamin Jewell and Monica Wolfson conducted preliminary field and bench-scale tests. Richard Naswary helped with the conduct of jar tests. Lance Robinson and Miles Beamguard assisted with the operation of the pilot unit. Ed Haller of the USF College of Medicine Pathology laboratory conducted electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy on samples. Technical support from the Hillsborough County Water Department was provided by Dr. Luke Mulford, Jim Jeffers, and Arnold Becken.