Identification of oil contamination in process water using fluorescence excitation emission matrix (FEEM) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC).

Fuel oil is widely used within Eskom, a power generation company in South Africa. Eskom's coal-fired power stations use up to 30,000 L of fuel oil per hour during a cold start-up, a consequence of which results in oil leaks to the dams. Oil contamination in water treatment plants causes irreversible membrane fouling, requiring costly replacement.

Seasonal variations of natural organic matter (NOM) in surface water supplied to two coal-fired power stations.

Global issues such as pollution and global warming have resulted in changes in water characteristics over the past 20 years. Natural organic matter (NOM) which is a major component in water systems has shown an increase globally. This increase in NOM concentration has negatively affected both water treatment processes and drinking water quality.