Crumb rubber filtration: A potential technology for ballast water treatment

Zhijian Tang, Michael A. Butkus, Yuefeng F. Xie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

The removal of turbidity, particles, phytoplankton and zooplankton in water by crumb rubber filtration was investigated. A substantial reduction was achieved. Of the three variables, filter depth, media size and filtration rate, media size had the most significant influence. Smaller media size favored higher removal efficiency of all targeted matter. There was no apparent relationship between removal efficiency and filter depth. Higher filtration rate resulted in lower removal efficiency and higher head loss. Compared with conventional granular media filters, crumb rubber filters required less backwash, and developed lower head loss. Consequently crumb rubber filters could be run for a longer time or allow a higher filtration rate. The results also indicate that the crumb rubber filtration alone did not achieve the target removal of invasive species. However, crumb rubber filtration could potentially be used as a primary treatment technology to enhance the efficiency of a secondary treatment process (e.g., disinfection).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)410-423
Number of pages14
JournalMarine Environmental Research
Volume61
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2006

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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