Diatomaceous Earth Filtration - Versatile and Economic Technology for Potable Water Filtration

摘要

Diatomaceous earth (DE) has been used for many years to filter potable water, and is currently one of the EPA approved technologies for meeting the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule. A review of recent laboratory and pilot testing will be presented that confirms that DE filtration is capable of exceeding 6-log removal of Cryptosporidium. An economic comparison to other conventional filtration methods is reviewed.In addition to concerns about microbials, many existing potable water processing facilities must also be concerned about disposal of alum sludges and water conservation. DE filtration has been shown to efficiently and economically dewater alum sludges, and the technology will be reviewed.