Analytical methods of size distribution for organic matter in water and wastewater

Organic matter (OM), such as natural organic matter (NOM) in surface waters, and effluent organic matter (EfOM) in wastewaters causes many problems. For example, color, taste and odor derogate potable water quality, while the presence of endocrine disrupting substances and the formation of disinfectant byproducts (DBPs) are public health concerns. Over the years various analytical methods have been developed to characterize organic matter in natural and wastewaters. However, it remains difficult to determine the properties and characteristics of various OM constituents. Since all OM components in water have their own specific sizes, size distribution is a useful analytical tool to characterize complex OM. The results also enable better interpretation of experimental results, determination of future research directions, and evaluation of the progress of investigations. This review presents the common analytical size distribution methods used to characterize OM present in waters and wastewaters