Characterization and Source of Trihalomethane Formation in the Secondary Effluent by Sequencing Batch Reactors

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) may do harms to human beings. After disinfected by chlorine (amine), DOM can form disinfection by-products (DBPs) which can be mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic. Characterization and source of trihalomethane precursors in the secondary effluent by sequencing batch reactors were investigated. CHCl3 was the primary DBPs. The results showed that the precursors of CHCl3 were mainly strongly hydrophobic DOM, while CHCl2Br and CHClBr2 were mainly formed from hydrophilic DOM. The effects of different powder media (activated carbon, zeolite) on removal of DOM were compared. The results showed that the dosing of powder media can promote the removal of DOM and the DBPs precursors.