Removal of Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Waters and Prevention of Trihalomethanes Formation

Abstract

Natural waters contain natural organic matter (NOM) ubiquitously as a result of the interactions between the hydrological cycle and the biosphere and geosphere. During the chlorination of raw water, chlorine reacts with natural organic matter to produce disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are believed to be harmful to human health. Among the most commonly formed DBPs are the THMs. Many countries have focused on DBPs and promulgated regulations and they have regulated THMs. Because of concerns over the health effects of these organic by-products, treatment of drinking waters contain NOM have become inevitable. Natural organic matter in drinking water treatment are removed by conventional coagulation/flocculation, actived carbon adsorption, ozonation, MIEX resin and membrane filtration.