Role of ozone and granular activated carbon in the removal of mutagenic compounds

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1986 · Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8669159· OSTI ID:6597813

Bourbigot, M M; Hascoet, M C; Levi, Y; Erb, F; Pommery, N

The identification of certain organic compounds in drinking water has led water treatment specialists to be increasingly concerned about the eventual risks of such pollutants to the health of consumers. Our experiments focused on the role of ozone and granular activated carbon in removing mutagenic compounds and precursors that become toxic after chlorination. We found that if a sufficient dose of ozone is applied, its use does not lead to the creation of mutagenic compounds in drinking water and can even eliminate the initial mutagenicity of the water. The formation of new mutagenic compounds seems to be induced by ozonation that is too weak, although these mutagens can be removed by GAC filtration. Ozone used with activated carbon can be one of the best means for eliminating the compounds contributing to the mutagenicity of water. A combined treatment of ozone and activated carbon also decreases the chlorine consumption of the treated water and consequently reduces the formation of chlorinated organic compounds.

• Research Organization: Compagnie Generale des Eaux, Paris, France
• OSTI ID: 6597813
• Journal Information: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Health Perspect.; (United States); ISSN EVHPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACTIVATED CARBON
ADSORBENTS
BIODEGRADATION
CARBON
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
DISINFECTANTS
DRINKING WATER
ELEMENTS
GERMICIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MUTAGENESIS
MUTAGENS
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
REMOVAL
STERILIZATION
WATER
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER SUPPLY