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Abstract
Natural organic matter (NOM) removal poses a challenge to small drinking water utilities. Failure to optimize the removal of NOM and its presence in water affects the water system, thereby causing poor aesthetic quality of water with compromised taste and odor. In addition, a health concern associated with the presence of NOM in water distribution systems is the formation of carcinogenic products known as disinfectant by-products (DBPs). Besides, NOM disrupts the process of water treatment in cases such as membrane fouling and a decrease in the oxidation rate of iron and manganese. Considering the aforementioned adverse impacts of NOM, different strategies have been studied and suggested to remove NOM from water resources such as coagulation, membrane filtration, oxidation, reversible adsorption, activated carbon (AC) filtration, and ion exchange (IEX).





