Fluorescence-based indicators predict the performance of conventional drinking water treatment processes: Evaluation based on the changes in the compositions of dissolved organic matter

Abstract

This study investigated the treatability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) by the selected lab-scale drinking water treatment processes using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) analysis. The fluorescence ratio Peak 3/Peak 2 was established from well-defined fluorescence peak intensity of humic-like components (Ex/Em: 225 nm/425 nm) and protein-like components (Ex/Em: 230 nm/345 nm). Peak 3/Peak 2 predicted the aromatic characteristics of DOM and their origins in the different natural surface water feeding the different drinking water treatment plants. The drinking water treatment processes confirmed the treatability of DOM using Peak 3/Peak 2 and was well-confirmed by specific UV₂₆₀ absorbance relative to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (SUVA) and fluorescence-based indices. Peak 3/Peak 2 was demonstrated to have a strong correlation with SUVA and DOC removal for the water after treatment by coagulation, adsorption, and chlorination. Compared to the humification index and fluorescence index, Peak 3/Peak 2 is better for indicating the DOM composition in terms of treatability. These findings can broaden the use of fluorescence spectroscopy in water treatment applications, by developing the fluorescence ratio to evaluate the performance of drinking water treatment plants.

Keywords: Dissolved organic matter; Drinking water treatment; Fluorescence EEM analysis; Fluorescence ratio; Humic substances.