Reducing disinfection byproduct precursors through coagulation enhancement as particle weight and size control using potassium permanganate.

The widespread use of chlorine pre-oxidation in water purification has been limited in several countries owing to the production of carcinogenic byproducts when combined with naturally occurring organic matter. This study investigates the efficient use of potassium permanganate (KMnO) pretreatment and coagulation enhancement as particle size and molecular weight distribution controlling parameters. KMnO pretreatment significantly reduced the apparent molecular weight of humic acid due to KMnO reduction and the continuous generation of manganese dioxide (MnO) formed in situ under neutral and alkaline conditions.