Using BIOBROx to Convert Water Treatment Residuals to Reuse Water: From Conceptualization to Full-Scale Implementation

Pilot studies were performed to evaluate the use of a fixed-bed bioreactor process for removing nitrate from RO by-pass water at the Arlington Desalter facility in Riverside, California. Testing showed that the process efficiently removed nitrate while also meeting other treatment objectives such as removing perchlorate and turbidity. The process was robust with respect to various fluctuations in water quality and operational conditions. Design parameters developed during pilot testing are now being used to design the first centralized, potable biodenitrification facility in the United States (to the authors' knowledge).