Influence of Ozonation of Humic and Fulvic Acids on Diuron Adsorption on Activated Carbon

The effect of ozonation on the competitor effect of humic and fulvic acids against diuron in adsorption on activated carbon in drinking water process has been studied. Ozonation treatment allows the removal of herbicides from drinking waters by modification of humic and fulvic acids structures. These latest are responsible for their adsorption variation on activated carbon. An ozone dose similar to that used in industrial pre-ozonation (1.3?mg ozone/l) does not cause significant transformations of humic and fulvic acids which could decrease their competitor effect and increase significantly the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon for a well-adsorbed pesticide like diuron.