Study on removal of tastes and odors from drinking water through ozonation - biological activated carbon process

2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin cannot readily be removed by conventional water treatments. Ozonation biological activated carbon (O₃-BAC) process is an attractive option for MIB and geosmin removal. For MIB and geosmin with an initial concentration of 500 ng/L, the removal efficiencies of MIB (geosmin) by ozonation, biodegradation and activated carbon adsorption were 51% (73%), 19% (17%) and 30% (10%), respectively when ozone dose was 2.0 mg/L, empty bed contact time 12 min and filter height 550 mm. Filter height of 300 mm was enough for removing MIB and geosmin to below its odor threshold concentration from 500 ng/L. About 48% (57%), 32% (30%) and 10% (13%) of MIB (Geosmin) were removed by ozonation, biodegradation and activated carbon adsorption, respectively.