[Reduction of bacteria and viruses in purification plant discharges using microfiltration in a model plant]

Microfiltration through a membrane matrix of a nominal pore size of 0.2 microns has been applied for advanced treatment of mechanically and biologically treated wastewater. Elimination of bacteria and coliphages as well as the decrease in some chemical constituents were studied at a flow rate of 80 l/h. Microfiltration resulted in a reduction of E. coli, coliform bacteria, fecal streptococci and of coliphages by more than 4 logs in the filtrate. Thus, the quality requirements of EC Directives for bathing water (EC, 76/160) could be maintained. As a result of microfiltration, a 43 +/- 13% removing of the total phosphorous compounds (Pt) in the pre-filtered secondary effluent from 11 +/- 2 mmol/m3 (0.34 +/- 0.06 mg/l) to 6 +/- 2 mmol/m3 (0.19 +/- 0.06 mg/l) was measured. The dosage of FeCl3 (between 30 and 150 mmol/m3) as coagulant before microfiltration improved the reduction of Pt to result in an average value of 75 +/- 16%. After adding FeCl3, orthophosphates (PO4-P) could be efficiently reduced by microfiltration. Thus, PO4-P concentrations in effluent samples were, in most cases, below the detection limit (0.01 mmol/m3).