Removing Soluble Organic Contaminants From Water Supplies by Lime Softening

The identification of increasing numbers of potentially hazardous trace organic contaminants in drinking water supplies has raised considerable public concern. Lime softening, a commonly used water treatment process, is capable of removing certain soluble organic contaminants; but the types of contaminants that can be taken out and the factors influencing such removal are not well defined. This research was undertaken to investigate the mechanism responsible for the removal of trace organic contaminants by lime softening, to identify the molecular characteristics of removable compounds, and to explore modifications to the process to enhance removal efficiency. The study proceeded in two phases. In phase I removal mechanisms and process modifications were investigated using a fulvic acid extracted from a local groundwater supply. In phase II the molecular characteristics of contaminants pertinent to their removal were examined by selecting a wide range of natural and synthetic organic substances and testing their removal by softening, their adsorption onto calcium carbonate, and their ability to bind calcium ions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Sanitary Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Liao, Marcia Yunmen

• Engineering, Sanitary and Municipal

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8422116

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/77328