Size exclusion chromatography for analysis of water treatment

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As part of the goals in optimizing water treatment, the Water Quality Research Laboratory at Dalhousie University plans to develop novel tools and strategies that will provide the water industry with improved capabilities for management of natural organic matter (NOM) and microbial impacts in the watershed. Current practice in the water industry relies on surrogate measurements, such as total organic carbon (TOC), to assess the efficacy of NOM removal. In light of upcoming regulation and the need to mange water treatment more efficiently, it is important to improve characterisation of NOM during treatment and supply of water. One advanced technique will be to determine the molecular weight distribution of NOM by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to better identify functional groups (e.g. protein, humic acids). SEC would provide a useful tool for identifying precursors of disinfectant by-products (DBPs) and compounds responsible for membrane fouling. In addition, SEC will lead our team to better understand the role of microbial biofilm in treatment and distribution systems. Of particular interest to the research team at Dalhousie University is the characterization of the organic material surrounding the biofilm. An assessment of the molecular weight profile of this extra-cellular mass will help in monitoring the effect of disinfectants and nutrient conditions on biofilm formation providing useful information for biofilm management.