Effects of Low Temperature on Physicochemical Processes in Water Quality Control

Abstract

LOW temperature has significant effects on many processes of water and wastewater treatment systems. Practically all operations and processes are affected by low temperature through viscosity changes in the water or changes in chemical or biochemical reaction rates. In the arctic regions, temperatures of most water sources are below 4 °C and frequently at or near 0 °C and wastewater temperatures are low. Such low temperature conditions call for adjustments in design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water and wastewater systems, to those adopted in temperate climates. Thus, a knowledge of the effects of low temperature on various unit processes becomes important for a proper design and operation of these treatment systems. A review of literature on the low temperature effects on the performance of aeration, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and the removal of chlorination byproducts such as trihalomethanes through water treatment systems is presented briefly. The review also includes low temperature effects on gas transfer, sedimentation, ozonation, and adsorption in wastewater treatment.