Evaluating the efficiency of a baffled-filter system with sponge media on removal of turbidity, microbial agents, and total organic carbon from water

Background and Objective: Access to safe water is critical for protecting human health. Turbidity is one of the main physical parameters that affect the quality of water from both health and aesthetical points of view. Therefore, waters should be treated based on the standards set for turbidity before consumption. This study was performed to determine the performance of a bench-scale baffled filter system for removing the turbidity, microbial population, and total organic carbon (TOC) from the contaminated water. Materials and Methods:  A lab-scale Plexiglas baffled filter consisting of five compartments with a total working volume of 2 L was designed and constructed. The polyurethane foam cubes were used as filter media. The effect of turbidity (10, 50, and 100 NTU) and surface overflow rate (SOR: 7.5, 10 and 15 m/h) was investigated on the performance of the developed system. Results: A direct relationship between turbidity, TOC, and microbial density was observed in the inlet water. The efficiency of the baffled filter in the removal of turbidity and the period of the filter operation run both enhanced as the SOR was either decreased or the inlet turbidity was increased. In addition, almost complete removal of TOC from the inlet water was noticed. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the baffled filter system with sponge media can be a novel and effective method for the removal of turbidity, microbial contaminants and TOC from the natural surface water.