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.