Current AwwaRF research and publications from previous projects on NOM

Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Water-Related Projects

October 2003

Research Foundation Subscriber can order completed reports by writing to AwwaRF, 6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235; by calling (303) 347-6121; by sending a fax to (303) 730-0851;or by sending e-mail via Internet to "rfreports@awwarf.org." Others, including AWWA members, can purchase reports from AWWA Member Services by calling (800) 926-7337. Please note that you can only order reports for completed projects that have order numbers. More infomation on specific
projects can be obtained by contacting Chris Rayburn, Director, Research Management Division, at (303) 347-6188.

Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Water Publications

Efficient and Customer Responsive Organization

Utility Management Tools

Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Water: Recommendations to Water Utilities [#2543]

Parsons Engineering Science, Inc.

Critically evaluates research results on NOM in drinking water and provides
recommendations to utilities on how to use the information. Published in 2000.
(Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Source Waters

Effective Watershed Management for Surface Water Supplies [#317]

Portland (Ore.) Bureau of Water Works

Examines which watershed management practices best protect raw water supplies and documents installation, operation, and management costs of those judged technically and economically feasible for controlling THM precursors, general organics, iron, manganese, dissolved gases, algae, and algae nutrients. Also includes guidelines to help utility managers make watershed management decisions. Published in 1991. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Evaluation of Sources of Pathogens and NOM in Watersheds [#251]

Stroud Water Research Center, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (New Haven)

Determines the distribution and densities of Giardia and Cryptosporidium and the
concentrations of NOM in watersheds, and evaluates potential sources in field studies. Develops potential source control strategies that will mitigate the
concentrations of these contaminants in influent water resulting in potential
treatment savings. Completed in 2002. A report is available only to AwwaRF
subscribers.

Use of Constructed Wetlands for Protection of Water Quality in Water Supply Reservoirs [#807]

Tarrant County Water Control and Improvement District Number One (Fort Worth, Texas) and Alan Plummer & Associates, Inc.

Evaluates construction and operation of a wetland pilot facility to determine the
impact of the wetland system on overall reservoir water quality. Provides cost data
for the construction and maintenance of the wetland facility. Also includes a cost-
benefit ratio to determine the impacts of the constructed wetland treatment on
subsequent treatment processes for reservoir management. Research partner:
USEPA. Published in 1996. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

High-Silica Zeolites for the Removal of Polar Organic Contaminants From Drinking Water: Development af a Green Adsorption/Regeneration System [#2905]

North Carolina State University

Will measure the effectiveness of high-silica zeolites in the removal of MTBE,
SMX, and TMP. Will determine the most suitable zeolite pore size and zeolite
polarity level for the removal of these contaminants as well as zeolite's resistance
to particle fouling by NOM. Will also compare the adsorption capacity of the
zeolites to that of carbonaceous resin and granular activated carbon. Will explore
steam regeneration and photocatalytic oxidation for mineralizing contaminants
in the regeneration waste stream.

To be completed in 2004.

Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Water: Origin, Characterization, and Removal--Workshop Proceedings

Presents 20 papers from a September 1993 workshop on natural organic matter.
Discusses issues of the origin of NOM, the impacts on treatment processes and DBP formation, the available characterization techniques, and techniques for removal. Published in 1994. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Bacterial Regrowth in Distribution Systems [#101]

Montana State University and South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (New Haven)

Describes practical tests for bacterial, chemical, and physical parameters that
should be performed when modifying treatment processes, based on evaluations
using predictive transport processes, bacteriological procedures, and models to
monitor effects of treatment practices on water quality, including bacterial
populations and regrowth in distribution and storage networks. Published in 1987.
(Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Case Studies of the Impacts of Treatment Changes on Biostability in Full Scale Distribution Systems

Montgomery Watson, American Water Works Service Company, Lyonnaise des Eaux, and University of Central Florida

Documents the changes in biostability and biological quality in full-scale distribution systems following implementation of ozonation or membrane filtration.
Provides information on potential impacts of implementing these treatment
methods. Also includes recommendations on how to mitigate negative impacts and enhance beneficial impacts. Published in 2000. (Out of print but available to
AwwaRF subscribers.)

Watershed Sources and Long-Term Variability of BDOM and NOM as Precursors [#2868]

To be determined

Will determine loadings and the variability in loadings to watersheds from various
point and non-point sources for natural organic matter that serves as precursor for
disinfection by-products and also as biodegradable organic matter for biological
regrowth. Research partner: USEPA.


To be completed in 2005.

Microbials

Colonization of Biologically Active Filter Media With Pathogens [#263]

Montana State University and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles)

Establishes whether opportunistic and frank pathogenic bacteria can colonize and
persist on biologically active filter media. Also investigates Giardia and Cryptosporidium for their ability to persist in biological filters. Determines if these
filters are an important source of pathogens entering the distribution system. Published in 2000. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Advanced Oxidation and Biodegradation Processes for the Destruction of TOC and DBP

University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston

Studies the effect of advanced oxidation by ozone - hydrogen peroxide and UV -
hydrogen peroxide in combination with biodegradation on destroying TOC and
reducing DBP precursors. Reports on tests of water from two dissimilar surface
sources with a wide range of oxidation conditions followed by complete
biodegradation. Uses TOC, UV absorbance, and halogenated DBP precursor removal to measure treatment performance. Published in 1999. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Assessment of TOC Analytical Accuracy [#452]

Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, U.S. Geological Survey, and Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (Bryn Mawr, Pa.)

Evaluates several potential total organic carbon standards that can allow the utility analyst to assess performance with both difficult to oxidize solutions and organic particles, all within a complex inorganic matrix. Printed report is available only to AwwaRF subscribers. Published in 2003.

Case Studies of Modified Treatment Practices for Disinfection By-product
Control [#369]

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles), Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., and Apogee Research, Inc.Provides case studies from 10 utilities that
have implemented treatment modifications to comply with the Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Products (D/DBP) Rule and Enhanced Surface
Water Treatment Rule. Documents the modifications made, associated costs, and lessons learned through implementation. Printed report is available only to
AwwaRF subscribers. Published in 2003.

Characterization of Natural Organic Matter and Its Relationship to Treatability [#603]

Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., and University of Colorado at Boulder

Investigates the physical and chemical properties of aquatic natural organic
matter and the relationship of these to treatability by coagulation, activated
carbon adsorption, disinfection by-product formation, and assimilable organic carbon formation following ozonation. Provides recommendations to utilities on specific raw water parameters to measure in order to predict the impact of NOM on treatability. Published in 1993. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Design of Biological Processes for Organics Control [#712]

University of Alberta

Evaluates whether biofilm process fundamentals and kinetics largely developed for wastewater treatment can be applied to the design and operation of biofilm processes for drinking water treatment. Optimizes the filtration performance of biologically active filters. Also evaluates possible negative impacts of biological treatment on effluent quality and assesses the impact of biological
processes on taste and odor reduction. Published in 1998. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Development and Evaluation of Novel Carbonaceous Sorbents for Enhanced Removal of Disinfection By-Product Precursors [#2998]

Clemson University

Will improve understanding of how activated carbon pore structure and surface
chemistry influence adsorption of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from
natural waters. Will determine optimum carbon preparation conditions that will
maximize the removal of DOM by activated carbons. Will also develop
guidelines for producing novel, inexpensive, and selective activated
carbons that are optimized for DOM removal.

To be completed in 2006.

Evaluation of Ultrafiltration Membrane Pretreatment and Nanofiltration of Surface Waters

James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers, East Bay Municipal Utility District (Oakland, Calif.), Contra Costa Water District (Concord, Calif.), Lyonnaise des Eaux-Dumez (France)

Evaluates the impact of pre- and post-treatment on low-pressure membrane
processes to determine the effect on operation, removal of DBP precursors,
tastes and odors, and corrosion control. Develops cost comparisons and analysis
for different membrane process schemes. Published in 1994. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Factors Affecting the Determination of SUVA in Fresh and Treated Waters:
Development of a Standard Protocol [#2722]


Clemson University

Will elucidate the important factors affecting the determination of specific
ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA). Will develop a standard protocol for SUVA
measurement to assure that results from different utilities, laboratories and research investigations are comparable.

To be completed in 2004.

Impact of Ozone on the Removal of Particles, TOC, and THM Precursors [#228]

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Evaluates the performance of several full-scale plants using preozonation to limit
THM formation. Also assesses the use of ozone as a coagulant and filter aid by
determining ozone's effect on removal of particulates, TOC, and THM precursors by coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration.Published in 1989. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Investigation of Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Processes for Removing Organic Contaminants and the Development of Piloting Procedures for Drinking Water Treatment [#170]

University of Central Florida

Investigates and model pesticide and disinfection by-product (DBP) precursor
removal by diffusion controlled membrane processes. Provides a membrane protocol as required by the Information Collection Rule (ICR). Research partner: Kiwa N.V. Published in 2000 as two reports: Flat Sheet, Bench, and Pilot Testing for Pesticide Removal Using Reverse Osmosis and Development and Verification of ICR Membrane Protocol for Bench and Pilot Studies. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Measurement of Biodegradable Organic Matter With Biofilm

Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia

Validates an immobilized biofilm reactor method capable of measuring BOM
concentrations in drinking water in two hours. Also determines the precision, bias, detection limit, and temporal variability of the reactors. Compares reactors to other assays of BOM. Published in 1996. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF
subscribers.)

NOM Adsorption Onto Iron-Oxide-Coated Sand [#635]

University of Washington

Evaluates a novel approach to remove both soluble and particulate natural organic
matter from water supplies, using sand grains coated with a thin layer of iron
oxide. Includes studies at both laboratory and pilot scale. Published in 1993. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

NOM Rejection by, and Fouling of, NF and UF Membranes [#390]

University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Illinois, and National Institute of Standards and Technology

Assesses the mechanisms of NOM-membrane surface interactions. Also defines the applicability of bench tests in simulating NOM rejection and fouling at pilot and larger scales. Published in 2001. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF
subscribers.)

Optimizing Filtration in Biological Filters [#252]

University of Waterloo, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles), Georgia Institute of Technology, The Johns Hopkins University, Montana State University, Charlotte Smith & Associates, and Process
Applications, Inc.

Addresses key issues related to optimization of biological filters for multiple objectives, namely, simultaneous particle or floc removal and biodegradation of organic compounds, on a number of source waters and process designs (direct filtration, post-sedimentation, following ozone, etc.). Published in 2001. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Optimizing Ozonation for Turbidity and Organics (TOC) Removal by
Coagulation and Filtration [#934]

The Johns Hopkins University

Determines the mechanisms of microflocculation and the conditions under
which it occurs. Includes a model that allows prediction of whether a given water
will be susceptible to microflocculation. Published in 1996. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Prediction of GAC Performance Using Rapid Small-Scale Column Tests

Michigan Technological University

Refines the minicolumn technique of predicting performance of GAC adsorbers
for removing trace organic contaminants. Applies a pilot-scale investigation to study the technique's adequacy as a predictive tool for design. Published in 1989. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Reactions Between Iron, Dissolved Organic Carbon, and Alternative Oxidants [#633]

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Evaluates how the concentration of raw water organic carbon affects iron
complexation and the ability of oxidants
to oxidize the complexed iron. Also
investigates the fate of complexed iron during coagulation with alum, and how
potassium permanganate, chlorine dioxide,and ozone each impact iron removal with alum coagulation. Studies the use of ferrous iron to eliminate chlorite. Published as two reports in 1993: Chlorite Ion Removal by Ferrous Iron Addition and Impacts of Dissolved Organic Carbon on Iron Removal. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Removal of Natural Organic Matter in Biofilters [#631]

The Johns Hopkins University

Investigates the ability of a biofilter to remove natural organic matter (NOM) and
assesses the likely benefits of reducing NOM by biodegradation. Also investigates preozonation and NOM biodegradation to determine optimal ozone doses. Evaluates sand as a support medium for the microbiological population. Published in 1995. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Standardized Protocol for the Evaluation of GAC [#518]

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati (Ohio) Water Works, and James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers

Develops a standardized protocol for the evaluation of GAC based on intended use in water treatment. Verifies protocols at three field sites. Published in 1992. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Role of Inorganic Anions, NOM, and Water Treatment Processes in Copper
Corrosion [#831]


University of Washington and University of Colorado at Boulder

Emphasizes the effects of sulfate and natural organic matter on corrosion rates
and by-products. Helps to unify existing models of copper corrosion and provides
insight into factors controlling the initiation and mitigation of copper corrosion. Published in 1996. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

 

Environmental Leadership

Reuse

Soil Treatability Pilot Studies to Design and Model Soil Aquifer Treatment Systems [#901]

Arizona State University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado at Boulder, U.S. Water Conservation Laboratory, and Greeley and Hanson

Describes a comprehensive study on soil aquifer treatment (SAT) to develop correlations between soil characteristics, effluent types, infiltration rates, and SAT efficiencies. Evaluates treatment efficiencies and removal mechanisms for a variety of common soils and effluents in
SAT pilot studies. Presents an optimal SAT design methodology and an
operational optimization model for application to multi-basin SAT systems. Research partners: WERF, NWRI, and SROG. Published in 1998. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Isotopic Tracers in Surface Water

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Evaluates whether isotope measurements of surface water and dissolved constituents in surface water can be used as tracers of non-point source pollution. Reports on use of oxygen-18 as a water tracer and use of
carbon-14, carbon-13, and deuterium as tracers of dissolved inorganic carbon. Research partner: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Published in 2002. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Reservoir Management for Water Quality and THM Precursor Control [#308]

Kent State University

Describes reservoir management techniques for maintaining or improving
the quality of water supply resources, especially those techniques shown to be successful in field-scale applications. Quantifies each technique's degree of success with respect to raw water levels of
THM precursors, iron, manganese, dissolved gases, algae, and general organic matter. Also evaluates techniques with respect to cost-benefit ratios, and documents successful applications. Published in 1989. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

High Quality Water

Chemicals

Characterization of TOX Produced During Disinfection Processes [#2755]

University of Massachusetts

Will determine the nature and chemical characteristics of the unknown fraction of the total organic halogen (TOX) produced during chlorination and alternative disinfection processes (i.e., chloramination, chlorine dioxide ozone disinfection). Will determine the apparent molecular weight distribution of the TOX; differentiate the amounts of total organic
bromine (TOBr), total organic chlorine (TOCl), and total organic iodide (TOI) in TOX; and identify the fraction of the TOX that is hydrophobic and hydrophilic for each disinfection process. Research partner: USEPA.

To be completed in 2005.


Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON) in Drinking Water and Reclaimed Wastewater [#2900]


Arizona State University


Will determine DON occurrence in raw and finished drinking waters and reclaimed wastewaters. Will provide information on its chemical characteristics and reactivity toward methal hydroxides and oxidants,
and on its role in THM and NDMA formation.

To be completed in 2005.

Workshop on Natural Organic Matter [#2787]

Awwa Research Foundation Reports on a workshop to evaluate the
current state-of-the science on natural organic matter. Includes recommendations for the drinking water community on how NOM research can be applied to address water quality and treatment concerns. Research partners: Australian Water Quality Centre, Vivendi, and Berlin Waterworks. Completed in 2002. A CD-ROM is available only to AwwaRF subscribers upon request.

Distribution System Water Quality

Assessing and Controlling Bacterial Regrowth in Distribution Systems

American Water Works Service Company, University of California at Irvine, and Montana State University

Provides guidance on assessing the extent and relative importance of biofilm and biological activities on water quality deterioration in distribution systems. Demonstrates which methods and
procedures effectively evaluate the potential for biological problems and
identifies specific practices to control such problems. Published in 1989. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Distribution Generated Taste-and-Odor Phenomena [#365]

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles), University of California at Los Angeles, AGBAR-Barcelona, Lyonnaise des Eaux, and Philadelphia Suburban Water Company (Bryn Mawr, Pa.)

Identifies tastes and odors originating from pipe systems. Also investigates customer sensitivity to these compounds, their causes, and strategies for improving the organoleptic water quality. Research partner: UKWIR. Published in 2002. Order No. 90897

The Role of Natural Organic Matter in Structuring Microbial Communities--Implications for the Treatment of Drinking Waters and the Control of Biofilms [#2562]

Stroud Water Research Center, Northwestern University, and Pennsylvania State University

Will study structure and composition of natural organic matter and biodegradable organic matter, and structure of heterotrophic bacterial communities supported by raw and treated drinking water. Will also evaluate the responses of microbial communities to seasonal changes
in NOM and temperature.

To be completed in 2003.

Monitoring and Treatment

A Study of the Reaction of Ozone and Hydroxyl Radicals With Amino Acids [#832]

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Examines the reactions of molecular ozone and ozone generated hydroxyl radicals with common amino acid species. Uses recently developed analytical methods to evaluate both the organic and inorganic by-products from these reactions, and postulates mechanisms for
their reactions. Published in 1995. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Adsorption and Filtration Studies Using Iron-Oxide-Coated Olivine as a Medium [#921]

University of Washington

Evaluates an approach to remove both soluble and particulate natural organic matter from water supplies, using olivine grains coated with a thin layer of iron oxide. Includes studies at both laboratory and pilot scale. Published in 1996. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Assimilable Organic Carbon Measurement Techniques [#509]

Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and American Water Works Service Company

Refines and field tests a simplified, routine bioassay technique that permits utilities to easily monitor nutrient fluctuations and adjust treatment processes to minimize bacterial regrowth in distributed and stored waters. Published in 1993. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Biologically Enhanced Slow Sand Filtration for Removal of Natural Organic Matter [#409]

University of New Hampshire

Investigates and helps define the potential for biologically enhanced slow-rate filtration for removal of organic matter, including the use of ozone in combination with slow-rate filtration. Published in 1993. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Characterization of Natural Organic Matter in Drinking Water [#159]

University of Washington, University of Poitiers (France), U.S. Geological Survey, HDR Engineering, Inc., SAUR, and Dynamco, Inc.

Develops and demonstrates techniques for isolation and characterization of natural organic matter. Emphasizes new, simple approaches that can be carried out in a utility laboratory. Published in 2000. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Control of Organic Compounds With Powdered Activated Carbon [#304]

University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign and Lyonnaise des Eaux

Determines optimal cost-effectiveness of PAC for trace organics control by identifying (1) water quality problems for which PAC is best suited and (2) promising PAC applications. Also analyzes current applications, determines effects of coagulants and polyelectrolytes on adsorption kinetics and equilibrium capacity of PAC, investigates efficiency of PAC adsorption of SOCs and TOC in a laboratory floc blanket reactor, and
reports on field testing of the reactor. Published in 1991. (Out of print but
available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Enhancing Coagulation With Calcium Addition [#389]

The Johns Hopkins University and O'Brien & Gere Engineers, Inc.

Studies the interactions between natural organic matter, calcium, particles, and coagulants to enhance the removal of total organic carbon. Determines the mechanisms of calcium-enhanced adsorption of NOM onto particles, and the effect of calcium addition on TOC removal and coagulant demand. Also examines coagulant schemes to enhance
removal of Ca-NOM complexes prior to filtration. Published in 2000. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Evaluation of MIEX Process Impacts on Treated Water Quality for a Range of Raw Water Supplies [#2840]

Black & Veatch

Will evaluate the effectiveness of a micro size, macroporous, strong base ion exchange resin that was developed specifically to remove dissolved organic carbon from drinking water, in removing natural organic matter from raw water with a wide range of DOC and alkalinity characteristics. Will also examine the effectiveness of the MIEX process to lower ozone demand, remove bromide, and remove sulfide as well as DOC. Will present process design and cost options. Tailored Collaboration partner: Southern Nevada Water Authority.

To be completed in 2004.

GAC Filter Adsorbers [#109]

University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign and American Water Works Service Company Describes pros and cons of using GAC in conventional media beds for removing organics and turbidity, based on an evaluation of existing published data, a survey of utilities with retrofitted filter adsorbers, and data collection. Published in 1987. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Humic Substance Removal and Minimizing Trihalomethanes by
Ferric Chloride Coagulation [#531]


Georgia Institute of Technology Investigates the removal of dissolved
organic material by ferric chloride coagulation. Establishes iron coagulation diagrams for DOC removal based on pH and coagulant dosages. Also investigates the usefulness of fast atom bombardment
mass spectrometry to characterize the DOC. Published in 1995. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Integrated, Multi-Objective Membrane Systems for Control of
Microbials and DBP Precursors [#264]


Kiwa N.V., University of Central Florida, Boyle Engineering Corporation, and American Water Works Service Company

Will optimize sequences of different membrane types--microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and reverse osmosis (RO)--that can function as a synergistic system for removing microbiological contaminants and DBP precursors. Will address the following important issues: use of staged membranes for pretreatment, minimization of chemical pretreatment, multiple treatment objectives, process
sustainability, fouling minimization, reliability, and operational considerations. Will include development of a protocol for multiple membrane applications for surface water sources. Research partner:
USEPA.

To be completed in 2003.

Modifications to the Slow Sand Filtration Process for Improved
Removals of Trihalomethane Precursors [#208]

University of New Hampshire

Establishes, by pilot-plant testing of media characteristics and pretreatment schemes and full-scale sampling, the optimal capabilities of slow sand filtration to remove THM precursors in small systems.
Also characterizes removed organic matter and microbial populations, determines the process's cost-effectiveness for varying raw water conditions and design parameters, and compares THM-removal
performance of slow sand filtration with that of the rapid-rate process. Published in 1989. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Natural Organic Matter Fouling of Low-Pressure Membrane Systems

CH2M Hill

Will examine and quantify the impacts of NOM fouling on low-pressure membrane systems (microfiltration [MF] and ultrafiltration [UF]) and will recommend strategies for minimizing the irreversible fouling caused by NOM. Research partner: USEPA.

To be completed in 2005.

Optimization and Economic Evaluation of Granular Activated Carbon for Organic Removal [#203]

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles) and James M. Montgomery Consulting Engineers

Assesses the optimization of GAC to remove trihalomethane precursors (to attain finished water THM concentration of 1 - 20 µg/L), based on modeling, bench-scale, and pilot-plant experimentation. Evaluates the economics of the process by developing cost estimates for six participating utilities. Published in 1989. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Optimization of Treatment to Mitigate Impacts of Algae and Algae Control on Finished Water Quality [#360]

North Carolina State University

Will develop guidelines to optimize the removal of algae and their extracellular organic matter using conventional water treatment processes. Will identify analytical measurements and testing
procedures to predict and monitor the impact of algae on water treatment processes and finished water quality.

To be completed in 2003.

Ozone and Biological Treatment for DBP Control and Biological Stability

CH2M Hill, East Bay Municipal Utility District (Oakland, Calif.), and Tampa (Fla.) Water Dept.

Evaluates the use of ozone with biological treatment to control disinfection by-products. Also examines the impact of this treatment scheme on biological regrowth and on the maintenance of a disinfectant
residual in the distribution system. Provides useful information to utilities
that are designing or retrofitting ozone into their plants. Published in 1994. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Polar NOM: Characterization, DBPs, Treatment [#451]

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Los Angeles), University of Colorado at Boulder, Lyonnaise des Eaux, and
University of Poitiers (France)

Develops methods to isolate and characterize the polar (nonhumic) fraction of natural organic matter (NOM) from different source waters and points of treatment. Also studies the reaction of the polar fraction of NOM with disinfectants to evaluate the type and yield of disinfection by-products produced. Published in 2002. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Removal of DBP Precursors by Enhanced Coagulation and Lime
Softening [#814]

University of Kansas and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Evaluates the degree of improved DBP precursor removal by full-scale water treatment plants optimized for precursor removal rather than removal of turbidity or hardness. Assesses costs and the degree of increased precursor removal as a function of source water characteristics, season, treatment technique, and optimized treatment strategy. Research partner: USEPA. Published in 1999. (Out
of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Removal of DBP Precursors by GAC Adsorption [#816]

Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati (Ohio) Water Works

Evaluates the use of GAC for disinfection by-product control at six representative utilities. Addresses optimized performance based on pretreatment (coagulation and ozonation plus biological treatment),
empty bed contact time, and blending. Discusses the relationship between natural organic matter characteristics and DBP formation. Also provides optimization guidelines and cost estimates for GAC
implementation. Research partner: USEPA. Published in 1999. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)

Treatment of Waters With Elevated Organic Content [#2874]

Cranfield University (U.K.) and CSIRO (Australia)

Will investigate the processes involved in the treatment of organic matter
specifically at elevated loads. Will study inorganic coagulants and suitable alternatives to establish the optimum operating protocols for their removal. Will focus on the effect of organic levels on floc structure and the impact this has on physical separation processes. Tailored
Collaboration partner: Yorkshire Water.

To be completed in 2005.

Infrastructure Reliability

Distribution System Materials and Corrosion and Metal Release for Lead-Containing Plumbing Materials: Influence of NOM [#182]

University of Washington

Studies the corrosion of lead-containing materials, focusing on the effects of NOM and corrosion mitigation treatment. Includes data on the rate of electrochemical corrosion, the rate of lead leaching, and lead speciation. Also describes the morphology of the corroding surfaces and of released colloidal particles. Reports on the effects of treatment
processes using laboratory protocols and exposure of materials in the field. Published in 1999. (Out of print but available to AwwaRF subscribers.)


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