AWWA JAW28839

This research focused on the influence of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) on the biodegradation of an aromatic synthetic organic chemical, pentachlorophenol (PCP), under conditions typical of drinking water treatment. In the first set of experiments, four columns were operated in parallel and were fed PCP and NOM exposed to no oxidation, chloramination, ozonation, or both chloramination and ozonation. The second experiment examined PCP removal in the absence of NOM. The best removal of PCP in the first experiments occurred for the NOM exposed to both chloramines and ozone. Removal of PCP in the absence of NOM was better than in the presence of NOM. Thus, NOM interfered with PCP biodegradation, but the degree of interference was diminished by treating the NOM with oxidants. Includes 23 references, tables, figures.