The increased role of AOPs in treatment of surface waters (that is, not only wastewaters), for removal of NOM is well known. However, what about simultaneous NOM removal and disinfection?
NOM in the raw surface water can be partially oxidized to less aromatic and hydrophobic characteristics via peroxide based UV AOP. However, mineralization of NOM is not typically achieved. Saraty et al. (2010) has shown that if the hydrophobic acid fraction of NOM is removed via pretreatment, UV/H2O2 could further reduce NOM content of the water. Please see the enclosed paper.
The UV doses in excess of 500-1,000 mJ/cm2 used in AOP application can effectively remove pathogenic organism.
Thank you Ufuk, nice contribution. Moreover, is not the step of physicochemical treatment in conventional facilities just the way to reduce the content of the VHA fraction in advance to the AOP treatment? I think AOPs could be more a choice to complement the conventional treatment (coagulation-flocculation) than a single step treatment of raw surface waters.