Modeling Coliform Bacteria Subject to Chlorination

Abstract

The effects of chlorination on the decay characteristics of coliform bacteria were examined through the use of mathematical models. Four models were fit to data collected during periods for which the waste source was chlorinated and periods without chlorination. The optimal values of the model parameters, identified by the least squares technique, were compared for the two data sets to determine if a significant difference in behavior exists. It was concluded that the models that were fit to data corresponding to chlorinated wastes were different from the models that were fit to the data collected during nonchlorination events.