Photocatalytic oxidation of DBP precursors using UV with suspended and fixed TiO2.

French River water (Nova Scotia, Canada) was separated into six different natural organic matter (NOM) fractions, including hydrophobic acids, bases and neutrals and hydrophilic acids, bases and neutrals. The raw water, as well as each of the NOM fractions were analysed for disinfection by-product (DBP) formation potential before and after advanced oxidation with UV/TiO(2) to determine the efficacy of this treatment for the removal of DBP precursors. The UV/TiO(2) treatment was carried out with a nanostructured thin film (NSTF), coated with TiO(2) which is compared with the use of a TiO(2) suspension.