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Chemical coagulation-based processes for trace organic contaminant removal: current state and future potential
Jonathan T Alexander1, Faisal I Hai, Turki M Al-Aboud
1Strategic Water Infrastructure Laboratory, School of Civil Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Journal of Environmental Management
|August 28, 2012
Summary
Chemical coagulation shows limited effectiveness in removing trace organic contaminants from water. Further research is needed on new coagulants and hybrid processes, as hydrophobicity alone doesn't predict removal efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Growing concern over trace organic contaminants (TOCs) in water cycles.
- Indirect potable water reuse is a sustainable practice facing challenges from TOCs.
- Ensuring human health requires effective and sustainable TOC removal methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive literature review on chemical coagulation for TOC removal.
- To evaluate the performance of coagulation in removing various TOCs based on recent research.
- To identify research gaps in TOC removal using coagulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on coagulation and TOC removal.
- Analysis of collated data on removal efficiencies of various TOCs.
- Evaluation of factors influencing TOC removal during coagulation.
Main Results:
- Limited research data exists on TOC removal by chemical coagulation.
- Hydrophobicity is not the sole determinant of TOC removal efficiency.
- Standard coagulation screening based on turbidity removal is insufficient for TOCs.
Conclusions:
- A significant research gap exists in developing novel coagulants and hybrid processes for TOC removal.
- Current coagulation practices may be inadequate for comprehensive TOC mitigation.
- Further investigation into TOC removal mechanisms beyond hydrophobicity is crucial.
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