TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON ANALYSIS & TESTING
FOR CLIENTS NATIONWIDE
The water treatment industry constantly tests water quality, and at times it is impractical to test for several species of interest at once. One solution is to test for the concentration of one element in several species. One of the most common reporting terms to this industry is the total concentration of carbon of the organic compounds present. The method for testing organically bound carbon – or Natural Organic Matter (NOM) – in water is called Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Testing (Benjamin, 2002).
Natural Organic Matter (NOM), which is found in all natural water sources, is produced by the breakdown of plant and animal material in the environment. Its chemical and physical characteristics vary according to environmental source (Aiken et al., 1995).
Typically, NOM comprises compounds ranging from proteins and amino acids to humic and fulvic acids. A range of functional groups can be associated with NOM, including carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, phenolics, ethers, and esters (Snoeyink et al., 1980). It is the carboxyl and phenolic groups that render the NOM negatively charged at typical water pH values. Neutralization of the negative charge surface is desired in order to get the particles to coagulate or attach to filter media during water treatment operations (Benjamin, 2002).
With these vast characteristics of NOM, it is easy to realize the importance of studying their relevance to activated carbon adsorption during water treatment.
TOC Analysis and Water Testing Services Trusted by Clients Across the United States
Total organic carbon analysis is a standardized method used to measure the concentration of organically bound carbon present in water. It quantifies Natural Organic Matter (NOM), which originates from the biological breakdown of plant and animal material across natural water sources. Because NOM exists in virtually every freshwater supply, its accurate measurement is fundamental to water quality monitoring, treatment planning, and regulatory compliance for municipal utilities, industrial facilities, and research institutions throughout the United States.
The Role of TOC Determination in Ensuring High Water Quality
Across the country, water treatment facilities rely on the determination of total organic carbon to assess source water quality. High TOC concentrations signal the presence of disinfection byproduct precursors, including regulated compounds like Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs). Routine TOC monitoring gives operators the data they need to act before those compounds form in the distribution system.
Nationwide TOC Water Testing Backed by Certified Laboratory Protocols
At Engineering Performance Solutions, we provide accurate and timely TOC analysis of water for clients across all fifty states. Our certified laboratory team follows proven analytical protocols, delivering the data that utilities, engineering consultants, government agencies, and pharmaceutical labs depend on to manage water quality with confidence. From source water evaluations to post-treatment verification, our team supports every stage of the water treatment process.
How the Chemical Structure of NOM Affects Water Treatment and TOC Testing
NOM found in source water is chemically complex and varies by environmental origin. It includes compounds across a wide spectrum:
- Proteins and amino acids
- Humic and fulvic acids
- Functional groups: carboxyl, carbonyl, phenolics, ethers, and esters
The carboxyl and phenolic groups within NOM carry a negative charge at typical water pH levels. Neutralizing this charge is a required step in coagulation and filtration during treatment operations. Without an accurate picture of NOM concentrations, treatment processes cannot be properly calibrated or optimized for cost-effective performance.
Why Reducing TOC Is the Most Effective Path to Controlling Disinfection Byproducts
NOM acts as the primary precursor for disinfection byproducts formed during chemical disinfection inside both treatment plants and distribution systems. Removing NOM before disinfection is the most effective pathway to controlling byproduct formation. This is where activated carbon adsorption, guided by thorough total organic carbon analysis, becomes the cornerstone of a sound treatment strategy.
Activated Carbon Selection for TOC Control: PAC vs. GAC Performance Compared
Powder Activated Carbon (PAC)
- Lower cost and strong adsorption kinetics
- Adaptable to variance in NOM levels
- Added prior to conventional treatment, so high NOM concentrations may require elevated doses
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
- Applied after sedimentation, where NOM levels are already reduced
- Lowers TOC to below target thresholds for extended operational periods
- Can be reactivated after exhaustion, allowing for reuse
- Higher capital and maintenance investment than PAC
Water Testing Clients We Work with Across the United States
- Water and wastewater utilities and municipalities
- Activated carbon vendors
- Government agencies
- Engineering consulting firms
- Hospital and pharmaceutical laboratories
- Food and beverage producers
- Agriculture and aquaculture operations
Why Water Professionals Nationwide Choose EPS
- Over 20 years of combined laboratory and consulting experience in the water industry
- Leadership with 25+ years of business management expertise
- Lab Director holding 9 patents in activated carbon product development
- Active members of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and ASTM Activated Carbon Committee
- Trusted subcontractor for large commercial labs across the country
- Prompt, accurate, and comprehensive data delivery on every project
Request Your TOC Analysis and Water Testing Services Today
Your water quality data is only as reliable as the lab behind it. Contact us at (855) 338-7770 or fill out our online form to connect with our team. Whether you need a single TOC run or ongoing water quality support, we are ready to deliver the fast, precise results your program depends on.
DETECTING DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS WITH TOC TESTING
Removal of NOM in water treatment plants has become extremely important in the last few decades, because NOM serves as the precursor for many disinfection by-products that are produced in the plants as well as in water distribution systems.
Two sets of disinfection by-products that are currently regulated by the EPA are Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs). THMs and HAAs have both been shown to be carcinogens. Removal of the disinfection by-product precursors prior to chemical disinfection can be enhanced by adsorption onto activated carbon. This can be achieved with PAC in mixing basins or pipes or with granular activated carbon (GAC) in filter beds or adsorbers.
Each method has advantages and disadvantages. PAC has a lower cost, strong kinetics, and adaptability to variance in NOM levels. However, since PAC is typically added prior to conventional treatment, it encounters the highest levels of NOM and high doses are necessary for effective removal.
Granular activated carbon testing is gaining popularity as a treatment method for lowering disinfection by-products and disinfection by-product precursors. GAC testing is commonly used after sedimentation so NOM levels are lower and therefore the carbon can lower the Total Organic Carbon concentration of the effluent to below desired levels for many months before being replaced. Another advantage is that GAC can then be reactivated after it becomes spent and then reused. The disadvantages with GAC are higher capital and material costs, as well as additional maintenance.
To learn more about our total organic carbon analysis and testing services or to schedule your own TOC analysis, we welcome you to contact our certified team today!