Effects of well intake systems on removal of algae, bacteria, and natural organic matter

Rinaldi Rachman, Abdullah H.A. Dehwah, Sheng Li, Harvey Winters, Samir Al-Mashharawi, Thomas Missimer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Analyses of the changes in concentration of algae, bacteria, transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), and the fractions of natural organic matter (NOM) impacts between surface seawater and the discharges of well intake systems were evaluated at seven different seawater reverse osmosis water (SWRO) treatment plants. In nearly all cases, travel of the raw seawater through the seabed into the aquifer and into the wells removed all of the algae. Bacteria removal was up to 98.5 %, but varied greatly between sites and in different wells at each site. The TEP concentration was significantly lowered compared to the natural seawater. The biopolymer fraction of NOM was significantly lowered at all sites, but the lighter fractions of the NOM were removed at lower percentages. The removal percentage of NOM fractions appears to be based on molecular weight (and size) with the lighter weight fractions removed at lower percentages. A key factor controlling the removal of organic material appears to by the hydraulic retention time which is controlled by the length of the flowpath and the type of aquifer porosity. Specific site geology does not seem to be a significant factor. Vertical well systems showed greater organic materials removal compared to horizontal and tunnel intake systems. Again, this appears to be related to the length of the flowpath and the hydraulic retention time. The horizontal well system at Alicante, Spain showed poor removal of organic matter and breakthrough of algae occurred in the system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIntakes and Outfalls for Seawater Reverse Osmosis Desalination Facilities - Innovations and Environmental Impacts
EditorsBurton Jones, Thomas M. Missimer, Robert G. Maliva
PublisherKluwer Academic Publishers
Pages163-193
Number of pages31
ISBN (Print)9783319132020
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventInternational Workshop on Desalination System Intakes and Outfalls, 2013 - Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Duration: Oct 7 2013Oct 8 2013

Publication series

NameEnvironmental Science and Engineering (Subseries: Environmental Science)
Volume149
ISSN (Print)1863-5520

Other

OtherInternational Workshop on Desalination System Intakes and Outfalls, 2013
Country/TerritorySaudi Arabia
CityThuwal
Period10/7/1310/8/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Information Systems

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