This study, carried out in pilot scale, investigates the influence of coagulation pH and aluminum sulphate dosage on the morphology of flocs formed during coagulation and in the removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts by down flow direct filtration. Evaluated coagulation conditions included optimal and over dosages of coagulant in two distinct pH ranges. The results showed that the removal efficiency of Cryptosporidium oocysts ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 log during regular operation of the filter. Experiments carried out with lower coagulation pH values, around 5, presented the best removal efficiencies of Cryptosporidium oocysts. The morphologic analysis of flocs showed a trend to the formation of more porous and irregular flocs with the use of over dosages of coagulant.
Cryptosporidium; coagulation; down flow direct filtration; morphology the flocs
