Introduction Natural organic matter (NOM) is the major precursor for the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during drinking water treatment and disinfection. The composition, concentration, and reactivity of NOM strongly influence both the efficiency of water treatment processes and the type and amount of DBPs formed. Comprehensive characterisation of NOM is therefore essential to understand its behaviour during treatment, to evaluate NOM removal efficiency, and to identify fractions that contribute most to DBP formation. This guideline focuses on analytical approaches that allow a comprehensive characterisation of NOM as the precursor of DBPs. Target audience This guideline targets water utilities and researchers in drinking water treatment. Water utilities can apply it to optimise treatment processes for NOM removal and DBP control, while researchers can use it to investigate DBP precursors and formation mechanisms. Scope and objectives This guideline focuses on robust analytical methods for the comprehensive characterisation of NOM in drinking water, with emphasis on UV absorbance, liquid chromatography–organic carbon detection (LC-OCD), and LC coupled to Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (LC-FT-ICR-MS). These complementary techniques enable the systematic assessment of NOM composition and reactivity and allow links to be established between specific NOM characteristics and the formation potential of regulated and emerging DBPs. The objectives of this guideline are to support water utilities in optimising treatment processes for effective NOM removal and DBP control, and to support researchers in identifying DBP precursors and elucidating DBP formation mechanisms.
Maolida Nihemaiti (Fri,) studied this question.