Water Treatment Chemistry: Dissolved Substances - Organics

This lesson discusses the chemistry of the organic compounds that are of concern when treating water by reverse osmosis membranes. Organics are usually not present in very large concentrations in the water treated by reverse osmosis units. However, their presence is important since their removal may be necessary for the end use of the purified water and also since they may cause operational problems. Organics may cause fouling both directly and indirectly by providing a food source for bacteria. It is also important to have an understanding of organic chemistry since the RO membrane itself is an organic compound.

1. When given a practice exam, be able to correctly calculate molecular weights and identify terms associated with dissolved organic substances, such as organic compounds, functional groups, organic solubility and RO membrane rejection.