AWWA JAW64488

Pilot-plant studies were conducted on four raw waters of varying quality from geographic locations across the United States to investigate the effectiveness of the magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) process for removal of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors such as dissolved organic carbon and bromide. Anion exchange was shown to be a useful process for removing natural organic material (NOM) from raw drinking water. Results indicated that DBP formation was lowered appreciably; the extent of the reduction was a function of the properties of the NOM and the inorganic composition of the raw water. The innovative aspect of the MIEX process is that it is used at the head of a treatment plant, before coagulation. Water utility managers can use the information provided here to evaluate the suitability of this process to meet their individual treatment needs and the composition of their source waters. Includes 33 references, tables, figures.