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How Safe Are Organic Polymers in Water Treatment?
Author(s) -
Mallevialle Joel,
Bruchet Auguste,
Fiessinger Francois
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.1984.tb05354.x
Subject(s) - polymer , impurity , water treatment , organic polymer , polyelectrolyte , water quality , environmental chemistry , chemistry , environmental science , organic chemistry , environmental engineering , ecology , biology
The advantages of organic polymers, or polyelectrolytes, in water treatment are many. But what is the fate of a polymer subjected to typical treatment processes? What by‐products are formed by ozonation and chlorination? Are there manufacturing impurities accompanying the polymers? What are the toxic and mutagenic effects of these impurities and by‐products? An anionic organic polymer commonly used in France was analyzed by several methods. It was found to be generally acceptable for drinking water standards in the United States and France. But the by‐products and impurities that were detected require more research to determine their potential health effects and demonstrate the need for adequate quality controls during manufacture of the polymer.