Integrated ion exchange mixed bed with reverse osmosis and nanofiltration for isolation of neutral dissolved organic matter from natural waters

The aim of this study was to isolate the neutral dissolved organic matter (NDOM) and the low molecular weight neutrals (LMWN) from natural waters. The coupling of an ion exchange mixed bed (IEXMB) with reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration was the main hypothesis. IEXMB removed charged species, while the neutral molecules were isolated in the demineralised water and then concentrated by RO without any osmotic pressure or fouling limits. Neutrals isolation and unlimited concentration, gives this paper its originality. The nanofiltration (NF) step allows for the isolation of the LMWN. The studied reservoir water NDOM and LMWN represented respectively 35% of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) and 34% of the NDOM. Aromatic compounds were found in both fractions. The UV254 absorbance measured before and after the IEXMB evidenced the water quality signature'. IEX has never been studied as fractionation method of DOM. This IEXMB approach is thus quite novel.