Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP)

(Advanced Oxidation Processes (O3/UV) at South-West Drinking water plant, Moscow)

In recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOP) have increasingly become the focus of drinking water treatment. These processes can also break down and degrade organic substances that are difficult to oxidise by conventional technologies.

The existing problem of surface water exposure to natural organic compounds or DOC in the drinking-water catchment area of the South-West Waterworks in Moscow has long been recognised. The AOP as an advanced oxidation process offers an effective option for the transformation of these otherwise difficult-to-oxidise organic compounds. Another objective, specifically for this drinking water plant, is to reduce the concentration of long-chain organic substances, which concentrate due to circulation of backwash water, prior to the ultrafiltration step. The aim is therefore to improve the treatment performance using the AOP process and to largely dispense with the otherwise necessary discharge of backwash water over a period of several months per year (increase in efficiency).