Accumulation of organics in a water supply reservoir: Its cause, characteristics and implication on water quality management

S. W. Kim, S. K. Hong, E. Choi

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The COD accumulation has been observed in reservoirs in Korea, and the cause of accumulation was investigated in this study. Samples were taken from various sources affecting the water quality of reservoir and leaching test was performed. The results indicated that the soil sample from forest area showed greater NBD COD discharge as much as 700 kg COD/ha/y than other samples. Further, NOM in the reservoir water during dry period normally represented 40% of hydrophilic and 60% of hydrophobic nature, but it was found the hydrophobicity dramatically increased to 80% during wet weather flow. The forest soil under leaching tests also showed considerably higher hydrophobic nature. This result clearly indicates the COD accumulation is significantly contributed by forest area as a diffuse source. NOM has been known as a precursor of DBP, but fortunately THM and HAA levels in drinking water in Korea are in a range of 20 μg/L and 4 μg/L, respectively, suggesting the current COD standard for source water must be adjusted.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)110-114
    Number of pages5
    JournalDesalination and Water Treatment
    Volume2
    Issue number1-3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2009 Feb

    Bibliographical note

    Funding Information:
    The author would like to express gratitude for financial support to Korea Institute of Science and Technology with a project “Green Korea 21”.

    Keywords

    • Accumulation of NBD COD
    • DOC
    • Diffuse source
    • Hydrophobicity
    • NOM
    • Source water standard

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Water Science and Technology
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Pollution

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Accumulation of organics in a water supply reservoir: Its cause, characteristics and implication on water quality management'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this