Optimizing Biofiltration for Improved Manganese Control under Winter Conditions

The presence of manganese in drinking water supplies has been problematic for drinking water providers as it can be difficult to remove during treatment and it creates aesthetic challenges, such as colored (e.g. black, brown) and bad tasting/smelling water. Recently, Health Canada has proposed a health-based maximum acceptable concentration for Mn of 0.10 mg/L. Biofiltration technology is growing in popularity as a sustainable method for removing Mn from drinking water; however, there is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness in cold water (less than 10ºC). Therefore, the goal of this research is to identify the possible causes for reduced Mn removal and to test strategies to improve biological Mn removal, under winter conditions. This work will be used to develop engineering solutions for winter Mn removal that in turn can be used to help Canadian water providers improve overall water quality.

Faculty Supervisor:

Graham Gagnon

Student:

Lindsay Anderson

Partner:

Arcadis US Inc

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Alternative energy

University:

Program: