Processes for the removal of humic substances from water - An overview based on Norwegian experiences

Humic substances can be removed from water by a number of different treatme nt processes because the humic substances are high molecular weight organic molecules carrying a negative Charge, like colloids. The conventional trea tment method is by coagulation/floc separation, but also sorption processes like ion exchange and adsorption on activated carbon as well as membrane f iltration processes and oxidation/biofiltration processes can be used. In t his paper an overview of design and operational experiences with all these treatment processes is given based on the experiences that have been gather ed in Norway during the last 25 years. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Scien ce Ltd on behalf of the IAWQ. All rights reserved.