Student evaluates role of a microbial mat to degrade hydrocarbons. The organic matrix of the biofilm presents many analytical challenges in extracting and quantifying pollutant concentration.
Role of NOM in Environmental Engineering
- Proton donor and acceptor.
- Ligand - complexes trace and heavy metals and participates in metal dissolution and precipitation reactions.
- pH buffer.
- Dispersant - stabilizes particles by imparting negative surface charge.
- Surfactant - partitions synthetic organic material influencing transport and degradation of pollutants.
- Photochemical sensitizer.
- Controls depth of photic zone in natural waters.
- Influences availability of nutrients.
- Carbon source for microorganisms.
- Reductant in redox cycles.
- Imparts color and colloidal material to water column.
- Exerts chemical demand in treatment - determines coagulant dose and oxidant demand.
- Influences treatment efficiency of sedimentation, filtration, and adsorption; cause of membrane fouling.
- Affects kinetics of pollutant biodegradation by influencing bioavailability or by competition.
- Precusor pool to disinfection byproduct formation - trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, halogenated ketones, nitriles, etc.
Student evaluates role of a microbial mat to degrade hydrocarbons. The organic matrix of the biofilm presents many analytical challenges in extracting and quantifying pollutant concentration.
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