| The low molecular weight organic chemicals analyzed after dichloromethane extraction are non-polar bio-accumulating compounds. These synthetic organic compounds are of particular interest to policy makers because of their potential impact on both natural resources and human health. In the drinking water field, these compounds are listed as potentially hazardous. For those chemicals that are referenced as "target compounds" or "priority pollutants", maximum concentration limits are given beyond which the chemical is considered hazardous. The downfall to this approach is that non referenced chemicals can still be harmful, which is not acceptable in the context of water reuse, since raw wastewater can be contaminated by any type of pollutant.; The purpose of this work is to provide the basis for the development of a water quality evaluation strategy adapted to water reuse systems. Based on a first series of analysis at the Evry plant the data showed the necessity (1) to lower the detection limit of the EPA Method 625; (2) to develop a data interpretation strategy combining statistical and numerical analysis through broad spectrum chromatographic analysis. The method is called Integrated Chromatographic Analysis (ICA). Finally, specific compound identification is performed by mass spectrometry (MS) to estimate the base neutral composition of the extract.; Integrated Chromatography Analysis (ICA) was used to study the fate of base neutral organic compounds at the Lake Arrowhead water reclamation pilot plant before and after ozonation, biological activated carbon, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. This method was applied to an industrial water reuse plant located south of Los Angeles, before and after two parallel treatment chains: the Title 22 treatment chain and the groundwater recharge chain. The data demonstrated the key role played by reverse osmosis in removing base neutral compounds from treated wastewater.; The present work contributes significantly to the study of the fate of base neutral organic compounds in water reuse processes. More important, it opens the door to new water quality evaluation strategies necessary for the development of sound water reuse management. |
