NOM characteristics and treatabilities of ozonation processes

The objectives of this study were intended to evaluate the effects of the characteristics of natural organic matter on the treatabilities of ozonation, coagulation, filtration, and granular activated carbon processes. The ultra-violet absorbance (UV254) was used as a surrogate parameter to assess each process in reducing the disinfection by-product formation potential (DBPFP). The results indicate that the DBPFP varies with the sources of water samples and treatment processes, but is closely related to the measurement of UV254/DOC. Coagulation/sedimentation can eliminate large molecular weight organic fractions. Both pre- and post-ozonation processes can reduce some of DBP precursors than the conventional treatment process, and are more reliable for reducing the overall DBPFP.