Characteristics of Removing Organic Matter by Integrated Process of Powdered Activated Carbon and Ultrafiltration

[Objective] Integrated process of powdered activated carbon( PAC) combined with ultrafiltration was applied on a pilot scale to treat raw water from a reservoir in Shenzhen. [Method] Effectiveness of removing organic matters by different treatment units was evaluated,and three dimensional fluorescence spectrum( 3DEEM) analyses was performed for effluents of different treatment units,and the characteristics of removing organic matters by this integrated PAC / UF process were investigated. [Result] The running results showed that concentration of organic matters decreased along the treatment chain,removal of organic matters by PAC adsorption was affected by the carbon-water contact time,organic matters with larger molecular remained in the effluent of PAC unit could be further removed by UF. Comparing the results of3 DEEM for effluents of different treatment unit,soluble organism metabolites could not be removed by PAC,other organic matters could be removed by both PAC and UF,soluble organism metabolites and tryptophan protein were the main organic matters which could cause membrane fouling. [Conclusion] Integration of PAC and UF was more effective in removing organic matters from the raw water.