UF with pretreatment for removing DBP precursors

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Abstract
Combined UF–PAC treatment can be effective for DBP precursor removal, depending on the level of removal desired.Although ultrafiltration (UF) is an efficient disinfection process, it is relatively ineffective because of its high‐molecular‐weight cutoff for removing the natural organic matter that contributes to disinfection by‐product (DBP) formation. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of powdered activated carbon (PAC) as a UF pretreatment to provide enhanced removal of trihalomethane and haloacetic acid precursors. PAC addition did not impair the permeability of the UF membrane and, in one case, appeared to retard membrane fouling. DBP precursor removals increased with increasing PAC dosages. Because bromide was not removed by this treatment, changes in relative DBP speciation were observed after chlorination of the permeate from the UF–PAC process.