Formation of trihalomethanes from humic acid by ozone and activated carbon fibers treatments

Abstract

Humic acid, which is a trihalomethane precursor, was produced by the putrefaction of withered leaves. Trihalomethanes are produced by chlorine disinfection when tap water is treated with ozone and activated carbon in a purification plant. The amount of chloroform produced from humic acid by adding chlorine after the ozone and activated carbon fiber treatments was investigated. Humic acid was degraded by ozone to polar and acidic organic compounds by the addition of hypochlorite. The amount of chloroform produced increased with increasing treatment temperature, while it decreased with increasing ozonization time. It was also lowered by the addition of activated carbon fibers after the ozonization.