Analysis of the evolution of ultra‐filtered water quality in a drinking water distribution system by particle size distribution: Influence of pre‐ozonation

An experimental drinking water distribution system (DWDS) was used to evaluate the evolution of particle size distribution (PSD) and basic quality parameters of ultrafiltered water with or without pre‐ozonation. An ultrafiltration (UF) module was set up, associated with a pre‐ozonation system (3.7 g O(3)/m(3)). The permeate was circulated in the DWDS (300 m; 0.9 m/s) with 0.4 mg/L of chlorine, and the analysis of the PSD was performed using a β‐variable mathematical model. A better control of membrane fouling was obtained with pre‐ozonation, and PSD was necessary to observe water quality differences between permeates and in the DWDS. A decrease in particle concentration of 1.8 logarithms was obtained with the application of UF membranes, while a decrease of only 1.2 logarithms was obtained with pre‐ozonation. The system without pre‐ozonation showed a higher efficiency at removing smaller particles (around 2 μm), with the absence of particles larger than 23 μm during both stages. The PSD revealed a worsening of water quality in the DWDS with an increase of particles smaller than 5 μm during the application of UF membranes, while with pre‐ozonation, all particle sizes analyzed increased their concentration. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Pre‐ozonation led to a better control of membrane fouling, but a worsening of permeate quality according to particle size distribution. Pre‐ozonation does not improve the turbidity, dissolved organic carbon or UV254 removal capacity of ultrafiltration during drinking water treatment. Particles size distribution reveals the deterioration of water quality in a drinking water distribution system better than turbidity or DOC. Ozone prior to ultrafiltration membranes led to a worsening of permeate quality, more significant in the drinking water distribution system.