Assessment of Low pH Coagulation Performance Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137, Issue 7
Abstract
Optimization of organic matter (OM) removal is of key importance for effective water treatment, as its presence affects treatment processes. In particular, OM increases the operational cost of treatment caused by increased coagulant and disinfectant demands. In the work reported here, fluorescence spectroscopy is used to assess the effect of changing coagulation pH on OM removal, character, and composition. The results of a 3-month trial of low pH coagulation operation at a major surface water treatment works in the Midlands region of the UK are discussed, together with the effect upon total organic carbon (TOC) removal. OM removal was assessed on the basis of both measured removal and fluorescence-inferred removal (through intensity-reduction measurements). Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that optimized coagulation affects the quantitative and qualitative OM properties. Fluorescence analyses were shown to complement other OM measurements, with reductions of peak intensities correlating well with removal of TOC in a range of different treatment conditions.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for the financial and logistical support provided by Severn Trent Water Ltd. and the University of Birmingham.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 137 • Issue 7 • July 2011
Pages: 596 - 601
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 12, 2010
Accepted: Feb 1, 2011
Published online: Feb 3, 2011
Published in print: Jul 1, 2011
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