Removal of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone Precursors during Advanced Water Purification Process

The fates of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) precursors were evaluated according to their formation potentials (FPs) upon chlorination during ozone/biological activated carbon treatment at two water purification plants (WPPs). DCBQ-FP levels in raw waters were 19 and 21 ng/L. DCBQ-FPs were slightly reduced by coagulation, sedimentation, and rapid filtration, but to < 8 ng/L by ozonation, in contrast to changes in absorbance at 260 nm and trihalomethane (THM)-FPs. DCBQ-FPs of water after sedimentation at WPP and secondary effluents at sewage treatment plants were decreased to a much greater extent than total THM-FPs at low ozone doses. Thus, ozonation is effective for removal of DCBQ precursors.

Automated summary

The fate of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) precursors was evaluated during ozone/biological activated carbon treatment. Results showed that ozonation effectively removed DCBQ precursors.