Processes for the Removal of Humic Substances from Water - an Overview Based on Norwegian Experiences

Abstract

Humic substances can be removed from water by a number of different treatment processes because the humic substances are high molecular weight organic molecules carrying a negative charge, like colloids. The conventional treatment method is by coagulation/floc separation, but also sorption processes like ion exchange and adsorption on activated carbon as well as membrane filtration processes and oxidation/biofiltration processes can be used. In this paper an overview of design and operational experiences with all these treatment processes is given based on the experiences that have been gathered in Norway during the last 25 years.