AWWA WQTC69295

This powerpoint presentation begins by providing a brief overview of formaldehyde and regulations pertaining to it. Current detection methods are presented, along with the Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) method, and instrumentation that includes an automated SPME GC-MS System. The experimental set-up is presented and includes the following: apply SPME method to determine the formation of formaldehyde as a disinfection byproduct (DBP) from UV/AOP processes in wastewater; natural organic matter (NOM) fortified reagent water (no matrix); tertiary treated wastewater (prior to disinfection) to test complex matrix; and, varying UV doses and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Experimental observations indicate the following: SPME method dependent of many factors; method reporting limits will greatly depend on background levels and contamination; SPME fibers can last for 100+ samples, depending on matrix and headspace vs. immersion analysis; and, SPME shows good method precision, but may be more variable for formaldehyde because of the problematic nature of the compound itself. SPME was shown to be a useful method for formaldehyde analysis for the following reasons: less sample volume, less sample prep, less materials, less glassware clean-up and less technician/chemist time; experiments, extractions and results in < 24 hours; no solvents - less hazardous waste; can expand to other low MW aldehydes and ketones; and, automation helps improve precision, run samples all day overnight with little chemist time. Formaldehyde shows formation with the application of UV and hydrogen peroxide (DBP), including the following factors: increased formation with increasing doses; important to measure and monitor in wastewater and drinking water treatment processes; and, expands to other treatment processes (ozonation, chlorination). Includes figures.