Molecular Weight Effects on THM Control by Coagulation and Adsorption

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Abstract
Three natural waters containing substantial levels of dissolved organic carbon were studied to assess the removal of aquatic organic matter and humic substances by coagulation and adsorption. As a general trend, alum coagulation was found to remove higher molecular weight material, while activated carbon adsorption was observed to remove a broader molecular weight spectrum of material. This apparent selective removal of certain molecular weight ranges by a given treatment process suggests that an appropriate process can be selected to specifically remove certain organic/humic fractions that are most reactive in producing trihalomethanes upon chlorination. Moreover, if a greater degree of removal is required, the conjunctive use of coagulation and adsorption may be the best strategy for meeting this objective.