Exploring Adsorption of Natural Organic Matter from Natural Waters by Surface-modified Activated Carbons

Naturally-occurring organic material (NOM) in dissolved, colloidal and particulate forms is ubiquitous in surface and ground waters. NOM is a heterogeneous mixture of complex organic materials including humic substances, hydrophilic acids, proteins, lipids, carboxylic acids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and hydrocarbons [1]. The dissolved and colloidal forms (i.e., DOM) are the most problematic and undesirable fractions of NOM with regard to water treatment and supply. A major concern for water utilities is the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) resulting from reactions between DOM fractions and chlorine or other disinfectants/oxidants.