Effect of preozonation on the formation of chlorinated disinfection by-products for river Ruhr

The purpose of the study is to gain a better understanding about the formation of THM (trihalomethanes), HAA (haloacetic acids), and AOX (adsorbable organic halogen) in river water (river Ruhr, Essen) through a chlorination kinetics approach. The effect of chlorination time and preozonation on the formation of THM, HAA, and AOX substances was studied. Preozonation can reduce the chlorine demand and the precursors for AOX and THM. THM generation was reduced further, when the ozone dosage consumed increased from 3.5 to 12.5 mg in the 1.4 L reaction vessel. AOX and TCAA (trichloroacetic acid) concentrations also decreased dramatically when 3.5 mg of ozone had reacted with the river water, but a higher dose of ozone did not further reduce AOX and TCAA formations. Besides, the characteristics of organic matter in raw water, ozonated water, and preozonated/chlorinated water was investigated. The results suggest the formation of low-molecular-weight acids with low UV absorbance when high-molecular refractive matter is oxidized.