Magnetic ion exchange resin for reducing disinfection byproducts in drinking water: Pilot-scale study and organic matter characterization

Disinfection is an essential step in drinking water treatment to prevent waterborne illnesses. However, reaction of disinfectants with organic matter in the water can produce carcinogenic disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin has been used as a pretreatment to remove organics and reduce DBPs. In this study, a pilot-scale water treatment plant in Birmingham, AL (USA) that employed MIEX as a pretreatment to the conventional pilot treatment train was compared against an adjacent full-scale train that did not use MIEX. THM and HAA formation was tested via simulated distribution system (SDS) testing, and changes in organic character were assessed using fluorescence spectroscopy. MIEX treatment provided 20 % and 25 % removal of THMs and HAAs, respectively, compared to the full-scale treatment under typical SDS conditions. With higher residence times and incubation temperatures (15 days at 35 °C), MIEX treatment reduced HAAs by 36 %. Parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis revealed that MIEX treatment reduced loadings for a terrestrial humic-like component. Additionally, MIEX treatment resulted in secondary benefits, including a reduction in the coagulant feed rate and a more stable pH and chlorine residual in the MIEX-treated water compared to full-scale treatment. [Display omitted] •Pilot study to investigate MIEX performance compared to conventional treatment•MIEX pretreatment lowers coagulant feed rates and yields a higher chlorine residual.•MIEX pretreatment reduced THM and HAA formation alongside lower coagulant dosages.•MIEX preferentially removed humic-like fluorescent organic matter.