Bromide & disinfection by-products: How do they fit into your utility's future plans

Christine Valcarce, Sebastian Sayavedra, Erica Gonzaga, Regina Rodriguez, David Mazyck

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In the steam-electric industry, calcium and sodium bromide are commonly used as coal additives or in brominated sorbents for the control of mercury from flue gas. Due to the high solubility in water of these salts and the practice of recirculating WFGD water, bromide levels can accumulate in WFGD wastewater, creating a challenge for drinking water treatment plants downstream of the discharge. Although bromide itself is not toxic, the concern to downstream drinking water sources is the potential formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Conventional potable water treatment processes do not remove bromide, yet bromate, trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) form when bromide in the water reacts with organic matter during the disinfection process used in potable water treatment as a requirement to protect against microorganisms. Due due to the carcinogenic properties of DBPs, the EPA set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for bromate, THMs and HAAs. EPA's final rule on effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs), promulgated on September 30th 2015, does not establish any limits for total dissolved solids (TDS) or bromide (component of TDS) from existing sources, but does establish TDS limits to new sources and those existing sources that choose the voluntary incentive program. While the EPA considered a numerical limit for TDS, the option was ultimately not preferred due to the cost of implementation for existing sources. However, Section 301(b)(1)(C) of the Clean Water Act requires permitting authorities to impose more stringent effluent limitation on discharges as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards. Therefore, the EPA recommends in its final rule of the ELGs that states' permitting authorities collaborate with potable water treatment plants to evaluate the need of a bromide, TDS or conductivity limit on a case by case basis and that the MCLs for DBPs in the Clean Water Act be used as a guidance in establishing numerical limits for utilities discharging upstream of drinking water treatment plants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAir and Waste Management Association - Power Plant Pollutant Control "MEGA" Symposium, MEGA 2016
PublisherAir and Waste Management Association
Pages723-735
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781510829862
StatePublished - 2016
EventAir and Waste Management Association - Power Plant Pollutant Control "MEGA" Symposium, MEGA 2016 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Aug 16 2016Aug 18 2016

Publication series

NameAir and Waste Management Association - Power Plant Pollutant Control "MEGA" Symposium, MEGA 2016

Conference

ConferenceAir and Waste Management Association - Power Plant Pollutant Control "MEGA" Symposium, MEGA 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period8/16/168/18/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pollution
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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