A review on the design criteria of biological aerated filter for COD, ammonia and manganese removal in drinking water treatment

Abstract

The design criteria of biological aerated filter (BAF) were reviewed in order to design an effective process for organic and inorganic contaminants removal in drinking water, particularly, COD and ammonia removal. The review was mainly focused on the height and diameter dimensions for the BAF process system as well as the removal efficiency and the type of media used. In addition, the review also included the effect of biofilm growth, reactor configuration, aeration and backwash system to the BAF process in order to select the best design configuration for the BAF systems. Based on the removal efficiencies data, two correlation graphs were plotted; (a) COD removal efficiencies against the H/D ratio and (b) H/D ratio against BAF height, in order to correlate the relationship between removal efficiency and BAF dimensions; height and diameter. The determined BAF height and diameter were 1.5 m and 0.16 m respectively, operated in an upflow mode and is supported by plastic media for biofilm growth and attachment. The expected removal efficiency of COD and ammonia is to be within 80-90%.