Abstract
M.Sc.
Natural Organic Matter (NOM) is a complex of organic material present in a natural surface water. Odour, taste and acidity are some of the problems associated with NOM in water systems. Futhermore, it causes the yellow or brown colour of water, whic is aesthetically unpleasant to consumers. NOM is also the energy source of bacterial re-growth and aids in the transportation of metal ions in the distribution system.Moreover, NOM in water can react with disinfectants, e.g. chlorine, to form disinfection by products (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and habacetic acids (HAAs). DBPs have recently been found to have adverse effects in humans. This study was undertaken in order to assess the effectiveness of some of the water treatment techniques employed by selected water supplying companies in dealing with NOM. To achive this, the water treatment processes used by these companies to reduce NOM and metal ions were coagulation, sand filtration, the use of granular activated carbon, ozonation and chlorination. In addition, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polyurethanes synthesized in our laboratories were used to remove the DBPs present in the water samples.