Removal of non-specific dissolved organic matter from upland potable water supplies—I. Adsorption

The presence of a dissolved organic component in potable water supplies is not only aesthetically undesirable, frequently imparting colour, tastes and odours to treated waters, but may also be associated with a variety of quality problems potentially hazardous to health. The removal of organic compounds is therefore imperative, and may be effected by adsorption onto activated carbon or a range of other porous solids. This paper investigates the amenability of non-specific natural organic compounds for removal by adsorption onto activated carbon, activated alumina, activated bauxite and bone char adsorbents.