Application of Ultraviolet (UV) Technology in Water Treatment—reducing Total Organic Carbon Content

The advantages of using ultraviolet (UV) light to kill aquatic pathogens causing infectious diseases are widely recognized. In fact, industry was one of the earliest pioneers in using this technology. Today, almost all industries apply UV technology to water treatment systems, including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, health product, manufacturing, and high-tech industries. Sterilization and disinfection are the primary applications of UV technology in water and wastewater treatment. At the same time, industry also applies this technology to many other areas, including ozone removal, reduction of total organic carbon (TOC), liquid sugar disinfection, chlorine degradation, surface and air disinfection, and cooling tower disinfection. This article will provide a brief overview of some of the industrial applications of UV light.

Reducing Total Organic Carbon

In many high-tech and laboratory settings, organic matter can hinder the production of high-purity water. There are many methods to remove organic matter from water; common methods include the use of activated carbon and reverse osmosis. Shorter wavelength UV light (185 nm) can also effectively reduce total organic carbon (it's worth noting that these emitters also produce 254 nm wavelength UV light, thus allowing for simultaneous disinfection). Shorter wavelength ultraviolet light carries more energy, thus enabling it to decompose organic matter. While the process of ultraviolet oxidation of organic matter is complex, its main principle is to oxidize organic matter into water and carbon dioxide by generating highly oxidizing free hydrogen and oxygen. Similar to ozone removal systems, this type of ultraviolet system that degrades organic carbon emits three to four times the amount of ultraviolet radiation compared to traditional disinfection systems.