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Methods to remove organic contaminants include activated carbon filtration and aeration. Special filters may be used at water treatment plants to remove many toxic organic substances
such as pesticides and solvents; however, these filter systems are expensive to build and maintain, and they slow down the treatment process. As water passes through carbon filters, organic impurities are trapped inside the filter material. This is called adsorption.
Sources of organic compounds include storm-water runoff and leaching from improperly disposed wastes, accidental spills, leaking fuel storage tanks and pipelines, pesticides from agricultural areas, and industrial effluents.
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Testing
Water samples are taken regularly at many points in the treatment process for laboratory testing. These tests let water plant personnel know whether the primary and secondary drinking water standards set by the EPA are being met. The laboratory equipment being used is so sensitive that it can measure sub- stances in parts per million, parts per billion, or even parts per trillion in some cases. |
