An evaluation of the relationship between SUVA and NOM coagulation using the ICR database

The Objective of this research was to examine relationships between specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) and the amenability of water to coagulation for the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) to demonstrate that the removal of total organic carbon, UV‐absorbing organics, and disinfection by‐product precursors is a function of the raw water SUVA value. Theory and previous studies suggest that SUVA (defined as UV 254 normalized with respect to dissolved organic carbon) is a useful indicator of the characteristics of dissolved organic matter in relation to its susceptibility to coagulation and its reactivity with chlorine. Data collected and assimilated under the Information Collection Rule, the largest nationwide water quality survey ever conducted, were analyzed to investigate the association between raw water SUVA and the enhanced coagulation matrix as outlined in the Stage 1 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule. Findings demonstrated the ability of SUVA to predict the reactivity of NOM and provide the basis for an alternative enhanced coagulation matrix.