Empirical Modeling of Bromate Formation and Chemical Control Strategies at Multiple Water Reuse Facilities Using Ozone

ABSTRACT As an increasing number of potable water reuse projects consider feasibility of implementing ozonation for achieving disinfection goals and removal of trace organic compounds, bromate formation presents a practical barrier. In this study, data received from five potable water reuse facilities showed that ozone dissolution method such as fine bubble diffusion resulted in lower concentrations of bromate compared to side-stream addition. When using multipoint ozone dissolution some reduction in bromate formation was also observed. Data from these facilities displayed a positive correlation between ozone (as a function of O3:TOC ratio) and bromate formation (as molar ratio of bromide converted to bromate) with lower formation as monochloramine or hydrogen peroxide concentrations increase. This study provides an empirical model with four equations which can be used to estimate the bromate formation and the required monochloramine or hydrogen peroxide dose to achieve adequate bromate control, i.e. below MCL of 10 µg/L, if a desired O3:TOC ratio and initial bromide concentration are known. The empirical model estimates for monochloramine and hydrogen peroxide were found to be in good agreement with experimental data (R2 = 0.96 and R2 = 0.87, respectively) while within a set of boundary conditions expressed by range of concentrations of typical water quality parameters.