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Re‐assessing effects of bromide and granular activated carbon on disinfection byproduct formation
Author(s) -
Wang Lili,
Vacs Renwick Deborah,
Regli Stig
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
awwa water science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2577-8161
DOI - 10.1002/aws2.1147
Subject(s) - chloramination , bromide , chemistry , effluent , environmental chemistry , activated carbon , chlorine , total organic carbon , water treatment , inorganic chemistry , environmental engineering , organic chemistry , adsorption , environmental science , chloramine
Abstract While granular activated carbon (GAC) can effectively remove disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors, its use has raised concerns over the increased formation of some brominated DBP (Br‐DBP) species in treated water postchlorination, especially for waters with high bromide concentrations. The Information Collection Rule Treatment Study Database contains the results of the most extensive GAC studies ever conducted nationwide. Data were analyzed to assess the extent of DBP speciation changes and the overall reduction of Br‐DBPs by GAC to gain new insights into the bromide effect. Results showed that formation of three brominated trihalomethanes (collectively Br‐THM3) varied greatly depending on total organic carbon (TOC) removal and bromide concentrations. Low TOC concentrations in GAC effluents resulted in greatly reduced Br‐THM3 formation, except for a few cases where Br‐THM3 formation increased. GAC followed by chloramination were likely to better control Br‐THM3 formation for waters with high TOC and high bromide. Finally, chlorine demand reduction by GAC was quantified.