AWWA JAW64847

Natural organic matter (NOM) is a precursor of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Because these DBPs are known to be human carcinogens, DBP formation and NOM removal have been extensively investigated. Although NOM is removed at various points within both conventional and advanced treatment process trains, different NOM fractions are preferentially removed by different treatment processes. Therefore, each treatment process contributes to different NOM profiles through a process train. Both THMs and HAAs were significantly reduced through the treatment processes tested (61% for THMs and 69% for HAA9). By using one of the treatment processes discussed in this article, water suppliers can predict the effect the treatment process will have on finished water quality. It is important, however, to note that the predictions will vary depending on the initial quality of the water. Includes 26 references, tables, figures.