Photoinhibition of microbial nitrification in potable water

Abstract

A system for the photo-inhibition of microbial nitrification of potable water may include overhead, floating or submerged lamps (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, etc. . . . ) with spectral emission between 315-430 nm, headspace and submerged light meters for measuring the intensity above and below the water surface, a water mixing device to manage full water column dose, and a controller for operating associated lamp and mixer operations. The applied irradiance may typically be equal to or exceed 0.01 W/m 2 .

1 . A system for the photo-inhibition of microbial nitrification of potable water, the system comprising:
 a tank for holding water; and   at least one lamp illuminating the water.   
     
     
         2 . A method for reducing microbial nitrification of potable water, the method comprising:
 contacting the water with radiation having a wavelength between 315 and 430 nm; and   providing a sufficient intensity to contact all of the water at an incident irradiance of at least 0.01 W/m 2 .