Alternative strategies for removing bromate

For all the potential bromate removal processes evaluated, analysis of the treated water showed the formation of bromide ion, indicating that chemical reduction of the bromate is the primary removal mechanism. Stage 1 of the Disinfectants–Disinfection By‐Products Rule specifies a maximum contaminant level of 10 μg/L for bromate ion, a by‐product of the ozonation of natural water containing bromide ion. Several options for removing bromate after its formation are evaluated: reduction with ferrous iron (Fe2+), reduction on the surface of activated carbon, ultraviolet irradiation, and high‐energy electron beam irradiation. For all the processes, bromide was found in the treated water, which indicates that the dominating mechanism of bromate removal is chemical reduction. If Fe2+ is introduced after preozonation, it may function both as a reducing agent for bromate and as a coagulant for dissolved organic carbon removal.