Advanced wastewater disinfection technologies: State of the art and perspectives

Chlorination/dechlorination and advanced disinfection processes (UV irradia tion, ozonation, membrane filtration) have been reviewed in terms of their efficiency: regrowth potential, design parameters, experimental set-up, sca le-up and industrial experiences. Existing results show the great influence of water quality, in particular of suspended matter concentration and orga nic content. The efficiency and reliability of these processes are evaluated for differe nt reuse applications. The critical analysis of the literature data and exp erimental results highlights UV irradiation as an effective and competitive advanced disinfection process. Ozonation is a viable solution in case of h igher requirements for water quality including virus and protozoa removal. Ultrafiltration is a highly efficient process producing an excellent qualit y and totally disinfected effluent, particularly recommended for groundwate r recharge and potable wastewater reuse. The choice between these advanced disinfection technologies depends on wastewater quality, existing standards , specific reuse applications and wastewater treatment work capacity. (C) 1 999 IAWQ Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.