CHEMSCAN
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Natural Organic Matter (NOM) Removal

Statement of the Problem

Large organic molecules such as tannins, lignin’s and humic acid are the major fraction of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in soil and water. These substances (which are also called Aquatic Humic Substances - AHS) are oxidized very slowly and their solubility in water may vary with pH. NOM have been shown to produce by-products such as trihalomethane during chlorination and to affect the transport and fate of other organic and inorganic species in water. Certain surface water sources have variable concentrations of NOM which vary seasonally and in response to environmental conditions such as wind and rain. These large organic molecules may be removed by coagulation and sedimentation processes within the treatment plant. Failure to remove these organics prior to disinfection may result in the formation of disinfection by-products (DPB’s) which are a threat to public health.

Control Strategy

Some treatment facilities are using membrane filtration to remove suspended solids, NOM and other substances from water. Other facilities use coagulants such as iron salts or alum followed by sedimentation or filtration. Some facilities may use permanganate or other chemicals to oxidize the organics at the raw water intake point.

Analysis of NOM in the raw water before coagulation, filtration or oxidation can be used to verify the starting concentration and the relative effectiveness of any variable unit process intended for NOM removal. Under conditions where incoming NOM is modest, chemical feed rates and contact time may be able to be reduced. This is especially true for feed control of an oxidant such as permanganate.

Analysis of NOM following coagulation, filtration or oxidation can be used to verify the effectiveness of the removal process. This information can be fed back for improved organic removal control and/or feed forward to help control primary disinfection.

Apparatus
​

Natural Organic Matter components each have unique light absorbance signatures in the ultraviolet wavelength range. Components such as tannin, humic acid or fulvic acid can be detected as individual parameters through the contribution made by their individual absorbance signatures to the overall absorbance signature of a sample. A single wavelength such as UV254 is not sufficient for this analysis because equal concentrations of each component have very different absorbance intensities at 254 nm. A full spectrum analyses across the entire ultraviolet wavelength range is required for individual or combined analysis of NOM components. A full spectrum analysis using pattern recognition techniques can detect NOM components and can compensate for the effects of other organic and inorganic matter and turbidity present in the sample. The ChemScan Process Analyzers are fully capable of this analysis. ChemScan can also be used to detect the residual amount of oxidants such as permanganate or chlorine used to oxidize NOM.

Natural Organic Matter (NOM), Copyright ChemScan, Inc.​
  
ChemScan, Inc.
2325 Parklawn Dr., Suite I, Waukesha, Wisconsin, USA 53186
​Phone: 262-717-9500
Toll Free: 800-665-7133
  • Applications
    • Municipal Water Monitoring >
      • Ammonia Feed
      • Chloramination Control
      • Chlorination
      • Color Analysis
      • Distribution Monitoring
      • Ion Exchange Breakthrough
      • Natural Organic Matter (NOM) Removal
      • Peak Point Chloramination Control
      • Phosphate Sequesterant Feed Control
      • Reservoir Monitoring
      • Security Monitoring
      • TOC Monitoring in Water
      • Well Blending
    • Wastewater Monitoring and Control >
      • Aeration Control and Energy Cost Reduction
      • Biological Nutrient Removal
      • Biological Phosphorus Removal
      • Chemical Phosphorus Removal
      • Chloramination /Breakpoint Avoidance
      • Chlorination/De-Chlorination
      • De-Nitrification Monitoring
      • Nitrification
      • Nutrient Deficiency Analysis
      • Lagoon Discharge
      • SBR Stage Control
      • TOC Monitoring
      • UV Disinfection Control
    • Industrial Water Treatment >
      • Boiler Water Analysis
      • Cooling Water Analysis (Closed Loop)
    • Industrial Process Monitoring >
      • Electroless Plating
    • ASA Technical Papers (ALL)
    • ChemScan Installation Photos
    • Success Stories
    • ChemScan Webinars
  • Service
    • Contact Service Request Form
    • ChemScan Service Team
    • MSDS
    • Communication Protocols
    • Software Utilities
    • Service Videos
  • Parts
  • Company
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact Form (General Inquiry)
    • Contact Service
    • Application Data Sheet
    • Employment Opportunities
    • ChemScan Representatives and Distributors
  • Products
    • ChemScan Mini Analyzer >
      • mini oP (Ortho Phosphate)
      • mini oP (Ortho Phosphate) Extended Range
      • mini Cu (Copper)
      • mini LoP (Low Ortho Phosphate)
      • mini UV-254
      • mini LowAm (Low Ammonia)
      • mini Mn (Manganese)
      • mini LowMn (Low Manganese)
      • mini LowChlor (Low Chlorine)
      • mini Sulfite
      • mini Ammonia
      • mini FreeAm (Free Ammonia)
      • mini Fe (Iron)
      • mini Ni (Nickel)
      • mini PAA (Peracetic Acid)
      • mini ChlorAm
    • ChemScan mini Accessories
    • ChemScan Process Analyzers >
      • ChemScan 2150/S Chloramination Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2150/DC Chem Feed Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2150/N Aeration Rate Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2150/NoP Chem Feed Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2150/NHoP Nutrient Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2150 Process Analyzer
      • ChemScan UV-3150 Process Analyzer
      • ChemScan 4100 Nutrient Control
      • ChemScan 6101 Nutrient Control
    • ChemScan Process Analyzers with HMI >
      • ChemScan 2250/S HMI Chloramination Analyzer
      • ChemScan 4200 HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 3250 HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2250/NoP HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2250/NHoP HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2250/N HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 2250 HMI Analyzer
      • ChemScan 6201 HMI Analyzer
    • ChemScan Analyzer Accessories
    • ChemScan Sensor Family