Impact of removal of natural organic matter from surface water by ion exchange: A case study of pilots in Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands

I. Caltran*, S. G.J. Heijman, H. L. Shorney-Darby, L. C. Rietveld

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)
127 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Natural organic matter (NOM) fractions cause problems in drinking water treatment and supply. In the North Sea region, anionic ion exchange (IEX) in non-fixed bed configurations has been considered for NOM removal in drinking water treatment plants. This paper discusses several experiences of the impact of anion IEX on NOM removal and on NOM-related problems in water treatment locations of the North Sea region, considering the specific situation of the sites. The investigated parameters include the effect of anionic IEX on the removal of total NOM and specific NOM fractions, the amount of chemicals used for coagulation, the development of trans membrane pressure in microfiltration, the formation of assimilable organic carbon and the energy consumption during advanced oxidation, the removal of organics by activated carbon, and the formation of disinfection by-products. The pilot experiences at three treatment locations in Belgium, United Kingdom and the Netherlands show that anionic IEX (1) removed typically 40 to 60 percent of total NOM; (2) targeted mostly humic NOM fractions, and was not effective to remove biopolymers (3) contributed to lower coagulant doses and energy consumption in UV/advanced oxidation; (4) had limited influence on limiting the fouling of microfiltration membranes; (5) lowered the formation of disinfection by-products; and (6) it can improve biological stability.

Original languageEnglish
Article number116974
Number of pages12
JournalSeparation and Purification Technology
Volume247
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Anion IEX
  • DBP
  • Humic substances
  • IEX resin
  • NOM
  • Regeneration

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