Search

As natural organic matter (NOM) is a precursor compound in the formation of disinfection by-products (DBP), removal of natural organic matter in drinking water treatment is an important issue. DBPs are a source of concern because of their potential carcinogenic effects on human health. For this reason, NOM must be removed before disinfection process in drinking water treatment is conducted. The conventional method used in drinking water treatment in our country is coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation/flotation and sand filtration, respectively. However, since conventional coagulation methods focus on turbidity removal, they cannot provide effective NOM removal. Therefore, in the NOM removal, the enhanced coagulation process in which the operating conditions are optimized (such as the coagulant dose and pH) is used effectively. In this study, a review of research studies carried out on NOM removal by enhanced coagulation from drinking water sources are presented. The used various coagulants in coagulation processes have been studied and the factors such as pH, coagulant dose, NOM source, which improve coagulation, have been mentioned. In addition, integrated processes combining coagulation and membrane filtration, ion exchange, activated carbon adsorption are included and the effectiveness of integrated processes on NOM removal have been addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]