Mineralization and biodegradability enhancement of natural organic matter by ozone-VUV in comparison with ozone, VUV, ozone-UV, and UV: Effects of pH and ozone dose

The increase in mineralization and biodegradability of natural organic matter (NOM) by ozone-vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) in comparison with ozone, VUV, ozone-ultraviolet (UV), and UV were investigated. The effects of operating parameters including pH and ozone dose were evaluated. Results showed that the mineralization rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) provided by the processes tested was in the following order: ozone-VUV > VUV > ozone-UV > ozone > UV. Among three pH studied (7, 9, and 11), pH 7 provided the highest DOC mineralization rate and biodegradability increase. A synergistic effect was observed when combining ozone with UV or VUV at pH 7 and 9 but not at pH 11. The oxidized NOM samples were separated into six fractions based on polarity (hydrophobic/hydrophilic) and charge (acid/neutral/base) to reveal NOM characteristic changes. Ozone-VUV was effective in mineralizing hydrophobic neutral and acid fractions. The hydrophilic neutral fraction was a major NOM fraction after oxidation (39-87%) and was contributed to by the biodegradable DOC produced during oxidation. High performance size exclusion chromatography results revealed that the combination of UV or VUV with ozone was more effective in the decomposition of high molecular weight compounds than ozone alone.     

Bromate Formation by Ozone-VUV in Comparison with Ozone and Ozone-UV: Effects of pH, Ozone Dose, and VUV Power

The formation of bromate by ozone–vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) (185+254??nm) process in comparison with ozone and ozone-ultraviolet (UV) (254?nm) processes of coagulated and softened water was studied. The effects of pH (7, 9, and 11), ozone dosage (1, 2, and 4?mg O3/mg C), and VUV power (30, 60, and 120?W) were investigated. Bromate concentrations formed by the ozone-VUV process were up to four and six times less than those by the ozone and ozone-UV processes, respectively. Among the variables studied, ozone dosage had the most effect on bromate formation by the ozone-VUV process. Approximately 64 and 213% increases of bromate concentration were observed when the ozone dosage was increased from 1 to 2 and 4?mg O3/mg C with VUV power of 120?W at pH 7. The bromate formation also increased as VUV power and pH increased. Hydroxyl radical exposure had a positive relationship with ozone dosage and bromate formation. Results further indicated that it might be difficult to achieve the drinking water standard for bromate and high organic matter removal concurrently.