Full Description

Characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is extremely important for water utilities inorder to minimize potential detrimental effects of disinfection byproducts formation, fouling ofmembranes and biological re-growth and off-taste and odor occurring in the distribution system.Diverse analytical methods have been developed for the characterization of DOM, mostly relyingon complex and lengthy procedures limiting real time information. In addition, most DOMcharacterization methods include preparation steps, such as changes in pH, which may change theDOM structure and conformation from its natural state. Rapid characterization of DOM and how itevolves throughout treatment processes is needed to be able to modify treatment parameters asneeded to minimize the effects of DOM. PRAM (polarity rapid assessment method), fluorescenceEEM (excitation emission matrix) and HPLC-SEC (size exclusion chromatography) offer greatadvantages for the continuous monitoring of DOM changes in treatment facilities with minimumsample preparation steps. These techniques offer the advantage of providing information in shortperiods of time. This paper assesses the changes in DOM polarity and size characteristics throughthe water treatment process at the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility in Henderson, Nevada,indicating the value of the approach. Initial data shows temporal variation in DOM polarity as wellas differences in the effects of ozone pretreatment as measured by the PRAM method. Size dataindicates minimum differences in molecular weight distributions. A pre-concentration step,required prior to analysis of DOM size distribution, may be inhibiting the detection of differences inmolecular weight distributions. Fluorescence data show a reduction in the intensity of the fulviccomponent between influent and finished waters. Includes 16 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 06/17/2005 Number of Pages: 10File Size: 1 file , 830 KB