Application of oxidative removal of NOM to drinking water and formation of disinfection by-products

Water samples of different origins (Buyukcekmece and Omerli, Istanbul, Turkey, and Alento, Salerno, Italy) were treated by coagulation, ozonation, and coagulation followed by ozonation and photocatalysis. Disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation potential of raw and treated water samples was compared in relation to removal efficiencies by the respective treatment methods. The major DBPs, namely trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), and other DBPs were identified and quantified. Besides major THMs and HAAs, the presence of bromoform in high amounts was also detected due to the high levels of bromide ions in raw Buyukcekmece and Omerli water samples. Depending on the natural organic matter (NOM) removal efficiencies of each treatment process, the distribution of individual THMs and HAAs was found to be NOM-site specific. Other DBPs were also detected and chloral hydrate (C2H3Cl3O2) was found in significant amounts. The responsible precursor sites could only be reduced by photocatalytic treatment of NOM.