Chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant and oxident in water treatment in the U.S.A. However, chlorination of water produces various halogenated organics including trihalomethanes (THMS) which are suspected carcinogens. Presence of halogenated organics are frequently correlated with mutagenic activity in water, ozone, UV radiation, have been used as effective disinfectants. However, ozone and UV light do not leave any residual in water treatment. Presence of a residual disinfectant in thedistribution system is desirable for protection of the microbiological quality of water and prevention of aftergrowths. This research is to investigate the combined treatment of UV radiation and chlorination as an innovative technique in drinking water. It is expected that this process might produce much less chlorinated organics as end products then chlorination alone, while achieving removal of organic compounds by oxidation. UV light acts as a catalyst for the reaction of chlorine with the organic compounds in water. The UV light not only makes possible the oxidation of compounds which would otherwise be resistant to chlorine, but also increases the rate of oxidation of oxidizable substances. The proposed research will address the extent of the organic removal and the formation of any halogenated organic products driving UV/Chlorination of humic material under controlled laboratory conditions. The P.I. is a qualified investigator to carry out this research. She has 15 research publications in water treatment research. An Expedited Award for Novel Research (Bulletin 85-25) of $30,000 for 12 months is recommended.

Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1987-04-15
Budget End
1988-09-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$30,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Drexel University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104