ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION SYSTEMS For the Inactivation of CRYPTOSPORIDIUM Coccidian parasites belonging to the genus Cryptosporidium are transmitted through an environmentally robust stage known as the oocyst. Their small size and resistance to chlorine concentrations normally employed in water treatment have been identified as factors contributing to waterborne outbreaks of human gastro-intestinal disease. The largest outbreak occurred in 1993 in Milwaukee, which effected an estimated 400,000 individuals. Protection of disinfectant resistant pathogens, and in particular Cryptosporidium, has become a critical issue for water purveyors. Proven treatment technologies currently available include membrane filtration and ozonation at elevated dosages. These two technologies, however, have some significant potential drawbacks. The cost of membrane filtration can be relatively high for waters with high fouling potential or when membranes are used as a polishing process after conventional treatment. Ozone disinfection requirements for Cryptosporidium inactivation can be 30 times greater than for Giardia inactivation, leading to high capital and operating costs and elevated levels of ozone byproducts. Recently released data indicates that ultraviolet light is effective for inactivation of Cryptosporidium (Bolton, J.R., et al, 1998). Demonstration studies with medium pressure UV, which were carried out under the NSF/EPA ETV Program, provided results that agreed very well with initial bench–scale results and furthermore showed that a UV dose as low as 20 mJ cm2 provided 3.9 log inactivation of the Cryptosporidium oocysts. Subsequent testing using low pressure UV indicates that conventional low pressure UV systems are also effective for Cryptosporidium inactivation. Ideal Horizons, Inc. as the manufacturer of low pressure and low pressure/ high output UV equipment will engineer and design ultraviolet equipment to be field tested and utilized in Municipal drinking water applications. Initially, we will participate in the AWWARF Tailored Collaboration Project "Evaluation of UV Disinfection System for the Inactivation of Cryptosporidium". The test sites are in Wisconsin at the Neenah and North shore Water Commission locations. The UV equipment will be evaluated for UV dose and overall equipment performance. At Ideal Horizons, the highest level of quality control is exercised for all of our product lines. Models are engineered to meet material, equipment, flow, and performance certifications for industrial facilities as well as State and Federal Government requirements. Ideal Horizons retains its reputation as a service company and prides itself on being accessible to its customers for technical information and product satisfaction. Our company philosophy is to support our customers and stand behind the quality and design of all ultraviolet products manufactured at Ideal Horizons. Ideal Horizons ultraviolet equipment warranty meets and exceeds all current industry standards. We offer in-house technical service assistance for equipment ultraviolet dosage sizing criteria, onsite field start-up, operations, and service consulting. Please consult Ideal Horizons, Inc. for your specific UV disinfection requirements REFERENCES Cushing R., Carollo Engineers Evaluation of UV Disinfection Systems for the Inactivation of Cryptosporidium, 1999 Bolton, J.R. B. Dussert, Z. Bukari, T Hargy and J.L. Clancy. Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum by medium pressure ultraviolet light in Finished Drinking Water. AWWA Annual Conference, Dallas, 1998 CIE Home | Residential | Industrial / Commercial | UV Lamps | News