Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in Engineered Aquatic Systems
Advanced Data-Driven Approaches and Climate Change Impact on NOM Characterization and Treatment
- 1st Edition - February 1, 2026
- Authors: Thabo T.I. Nkambule, Welldone Moyo, Tshepo J. Malefetse, Titus A.M Msagati, Bhekie B. Mamba
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 4 1 3 7 5 - 9
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 4 1 3 7 6 - 6
Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in Engineered Aquatic Systems: Advanced Data-Driven Approaches and Climate Change Impact on NOM Characterization and Treatment provides an in-dep… Read more
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Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in Engineered Aquatic Systems: Advanced Data-Driven Approaches and Climate Change Impact on NOM Characterization and Treatment provides an in-depth exploration of Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in drinking water, addressing its sources, occurrence, and environmental impacts, particularly in the context of climate change. It delves into the challenges NOM poses for drinking water treatment, including the formation of disinfection by-products and operational issues like coagulation and membrane treatment. The authors, all experts in the field, review a range of NOM removal technologies, such as coagulation, oxidation, and biofiltration. Special attention is given to high NOM concentrations in the Northern Cape and their implications for water treatment. The treatability of NOM in South African water supplies under changing climatic conditions is examined, highlighting drivers such as temperature, drought, and storm events. Finally, the book explores the potential of using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques to optimize NOM treatment processes, offering insights into various models and their applications in managing NOM in drinking water systems.
- Contains graphs, maps, and illustrations to aid student learning
- Includes real-life case studies with step-by-step instructions to Natural Organic Matter (NOM) research
- Provides thorough analysis of trending Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods for water treatment
Students and researchers in water quality research
1. Freshwater Crises: Drivers to the nascency of the NOM problem
1.1 Current crisis in Freshwater Resources
1.2 Water Quality Degradation
1.3 Threats to safe drinking water production
1.3.1 Natural organic matter
1.3.2 Availability and Increased Water Scarcity and Stress
1.3.3 Accessibility and affordability
1.3.4 Sustainability
1.3.5 Wildfires
1.3.6 Land Use/Management
1.3.7 Climate change
1.4 Implications of NOM increase on drinking water production
1.4.1 Need for additional water treatment capacity
1.4.2 Impacts on water treatment technologies
1.4.2.1 Coagulation
1.4.2.2 Filtration
1.4.2.3 Membrane filtration
1.4.2.4 Disinfection byproduct formation
1.5 Conclusion
1.6 References
2. Climate Change and drinking water production
2.1 Current knowledge about observed impacts of climate change on water quality 2.1.1 Water temperature increase
2.1.2 Dissolved oxygen reduction
2.1.3 Nutrients load increase
2.1.4 Dissolved organic matter increase
2.1.5 Microorganisms load increase
2.1.6 Nutrients and eutrophication
2.1.7 Monitoring and modeling of impacts
2.2 Assessing vulnerability to climate change and total organic carbon trends: Case studies
2.2.1 South Africa
2.2.2 United States of America
2.2.3 Brazil
2.2.4 United Kingdom
3. Natural organic Matter (NOM): A Conundrum for Drinking Water Treatment
3.1 Sources and occurrence of natural organic matter
3.2.1 Sources
3.2.2 Occurrence
3.2.2.1 Concentration
3.2.2.2 Character
3.3 Environmental considerations
3.3.1 Seasonal or weather-related effects
3.3.2 Other environmental influences
3.4 Impact of natural organic matter
3.4.1 Indirect health impacts
3.4.1.1 Formation of disinfection by-products
3.4.1.2 Biological stability
3.4.1.3 Corrosion impacts
3.4.2 Operational issues
3.4.2.1 Coagulation process
3.4.2.2 Membrane treatment
3.5 Measurement and characterization
3.6 Conclusions
3.7 References
4. Characterization of natural organic matter in drinking water: Sample preparation and analytical approaches
4.1 Fractionation methods
4.1.1 Resin fractionation
4.1.2 Size exclusion chromatography
4.1.3 Membrane filtration
4.1.4 Polarity rapid assessment method
4.1.5 Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.
4.1.6 Field-flow fractionation
4.2 Analysis and characterization methods for drinking water NOM
4.2.1 Analysis methods for general parameters
4.2.1.1 Dissolved organic carbon and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon
4.2.1.2 Dissolved organic nitrogen
4.2.1.3 UV/Vis
4.2.1.4 SUVA
4.2.1.5 Fluorescence
4.2.1.6 Polarity
4.2.1.7 Zeta potential
4.3. Characterization methods for elemental and structural identification
4.3.1. Elemental analysis
4.3.2. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
4.3.3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
4.3.4. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
4.3.5. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
4.3.6. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
4.4. Conclusions
4.5 References
5. Overview of NOM removal technologies and implications post drinking water production.
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Drinking Water NOM Removal: A synopsis
5.2.1 Coagulation
5.2.2 Oxidation
5.2.3 Activated carbon filtration
5.2.4 Removal of NOM by electrochemical methods
5.2.5 NOM removal by biofiltration
5.2.6 Membrane filtration
5.2.7 NOM removal by adsorption process
5.2.8 NOM removal by Ion exchange process
5.2.9 Advanced oxidation processes.
5.3 NOM removal by Integrated methods
5.3.1 Adsorption coupled with coagulation
5.3.2 Oxidation coupled with coagulation
5.3.3 Coagulation coupled with membrane
5.3.4 Adsorption coupled with the membrane
5.3.5 Ozone coupled with membrane
5.3.6 Adsorption coupled with biological processes
5.4 Impacts of NOM on Distribution Water Quality
5.4.1 Chlorine Interactions and DBP Formation in Water Distribution Systems
5.4.2 Corrosion and Scaling
5.4.3 Pollutant Transport
5.4.4 Microbial Dynamics
5.4.6 Water Aesthetics
5.11 References
6. High humics impacted NOM concentration and the implications for drinking water treatment.
6.1 Impacts of browning on surface water treatment
6.2 Aspects of conventional drinking water treatment challenged by browning.
6.2.1. Pre-oxidation for iron and manganese removal influenced by NOM.
6.2.2. Elevated coagulant doses are required to overcome increasing NOM.
6.2.3. Filter performance impacted by increasing NOM.
6.2.4. Distribution system water quality impacted by poor NOM removal.
6.3 Fluorescence-based NOM monitoring for source waters and treatment facilities impacted by browning.
6.4 Water safety plans as a tool to understand treatment risk with browning supplies.
6.5 Catchment level strategies for adapting browning to surface water supplies. Case studies
6.5.1 South Africa
6.5.2 United States of America
6.5.3 Brazil
6.5.4 United Kingdom
6.5.5 China
6.5.6 Australia
6.6 Possible treatment adaptations for browning surface water supplies.
6.6.1 Chemical strategies to improve NOM removal.
6.6.2 Advanced oxidation processes and biofiltration to augment NOM removal.
6.6.3 Activated carbon for enhanced NOM removal.
6.6.4 Membrane treatment as a strategy for improved NOM removal.
6.6.5 Disinfection strategies to control DBPs while minimizing heavy metal release.
6.7 Conclusions
6.8 References
7. Application of artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in drinking water treatment processes: Possibilities for managing NOM treatment
7.1 Common AI Models
7.1.1 Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)
7.1.2 Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
7.1.3 Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN)
7.1.4 Deep Neural Network (DNN)
7.1.5 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)
7.2 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques in NOM Treatment Applications
7.2.1 Application of AI in source water NOM quality determination
7.2.2 Coagulation and flocculation
7.2.3 AI technologies in adsorption and other purposes
7.2.4 Membrane-Filtration Procedures
7.2.5 AI technologies in DBPs formation and control
7.3 Using AI and ML to Improve adaptability to changing NOM character.
7.3.1 Determination of future NOM quality and quantity patterns
7.3.2 Determination of future NOM treatability needs
7.3.3 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
7.5 Future research needs
7.6 Conclusions
7.6 References
1.1 Current crisis in Freshwater Resources
1.2 Water Quality Degradation
1.3 Threats to safe drinking water production
1.3.1 Natural organic matter
1.3.2 Availability and Increased Water Scarcity and Stress
1.3.3 Accessibility and affordability
1.3.4 Sustainability
1.3.5 Wildfires
1.3.6 Land Use/Management
1.3.7 Climate change
1.4 Implications of NOM increase on drinking water production
1.4.1 Need for additional water treatment capacity
1.4.2 Impacts on water treatment technologies
1.4.2.1 Coagulation
1.4.2.2 Filtration
1.4.2.3 Membrane filtration
1.4.2.4 Disinfection byproduct formation
1.5 Conclusion
1.6 References
2. Climate Change and drinking water production
2.1 Current knowledge about observed impacts of climate change on water quality 2.1.1 Water temperature increase
2.1.2 Dissolved oxygen reduction
2.1.3 Nutrients load increase
2.1.4 Dissolved organic matter increase
2.1.5 Microorganisms load increase
2.1.6 Nutrients and eutrophication
2.1.7 Monitoring and modeling of impacts
2.2 Assessing vulnerability to climate change and total organic carbon trends: Case studies
2.2.1 South Africa
2.2.2 United States of America
2.2.3 Brazil
2.2.4 United Kingdom
3. Natural organic Matter (NOM): A Conundrum for Drinking Water Treatment
3.1 Sources and occurrence of natural organic matter
3.2.1 Sources
3.2.2 Occurrence
3.2.2.1 Concentration
3.2.2.2 Character
3.3 Environmental considerations
3.3.1 Seasonal or weather-related effects
3.3.2 Other environmental influences
3.4 Impact of natural organic matter
3.4.1 Indirect health impacts
3.4.1.1 Formation of disinfection by-products
3.4.1.2 Biological stability
3.4.1.3 Corrosion impacts
3.4.2 Operational issues
3.4.2.1 Coagulation process
3.4.2.2 Membrane treatment
3.5 Measurement and characterization
3.6 Conclusions
3.7 References
4. Characterization of natural organic matter in drinking water: Sample preparation and analytical approaches
4.1 Fractionation methods
4.1.1 Resin fractionation
4.1.2 Size exclusion chromatography
4.1.3 Membrane filtration
4.1.4 Polarity rapid assessment method
4.1.5 Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.
4.1.6 Field-flow fractionation
4.2 Analysis and characterization methods for drinking water NOM
4.2.1 Analysis methods for general parameters
4.2.1.1 Dissolved organic carbon and biodegradable dissolved organic carbon
4.2.1.2 Dissolved organic nitrogen
4.2.1.3 UV/Vis
4.2.1.4 SUVA
4.2.1.5 Fluorescence
4.2.1.6 Polarity
4.2.1.7 Zeta potential
4.3. Characterization methods for elemental and structural identification
4.3.1. Elemental analysis
4.3.2. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
4.3.3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
4.3.4. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
4.3.5. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
4.3.6. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
4.4. Conclusions
4.5 References
5. Overview of NOM removal technologies and implications post drinking water production.
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Drinking Water NOM Removal: A synopsis
5.2.1 Coagulation
5.2.2 Oxidation
5.2.3 Activated carbon filtration
5.2.4 Removal of NOM by electrochemical methods
5.2.5 NOM removal by biofiltration
5.2.6 Membrane filtration
5.2.7 NOM removal by adsorption process
5.2.8 NOM removal by Ion exchange process
5.2.9 Advanced oxidation processes.
5.3 NOM removal by Integrated methods
5.3.1 Adsorption coupled with coagulation
5.3.2 Oxidation coupled with coagulation
5.3.3 Coagulation coupled with membrane
5.3.4 Adsorption coupled with the membrane
5.3.5 Ozone coupled with membrane
5.3.6 Adsorption coupled with biological processes
5.4 Impacts of NOM on Distribution Water Quality
5.4.1 Chlorine Interactions and DBP Formation in Water Distribution Systems
5.4.2 Corrosion and Scaling
5.4.3 Pollutant Transport
5.4.4 Microbial Dynamics
5.4.6 Water Aesthetics
5.11 References
6. High humics impacted NOM concentration and the implications for drinking water treatment.
6.1 Impacts of browning on surface water treatment
6.2 Aspects of conventional drinking water treatment challenged by browning.
6.2.1. Pre-oxidation for iron and manganese removal influenced by NOM.
6.2.2. Elevated coagulant doses are required to overcome increasing NOM.
6.2.3. Filter performance impacted by increasing NOM.
6.2.4. Distribution system water quality impacted by poor NOM removal.
6.3 Fluorescence-based NOM monitoring for source waters and treatment facilities impacted by browning.
6.4 Water safety plans as a tool to understand treatment risk with browning supplies.
6.5 Catchment level strategies for adapting browning to surface water supplies. Case studies
6.5.1 South Africa
6.5.2 United States of America
6.5.3 Brazil
6.5.4 United Kingdom
6.5.5 China
6.5.6 Australia
6.6 Possible treatment adaptations for browning surface water supplies.
6.6.1 Chemical strategies to improve NOM removal.
6.6.2 Advanced oxidation processes and biofiltration to augment NOM removal.
6.6.3 Activated carbon for enhanced NOM removal.
6.6.4 Membrane treatment as a strategy for improved NOM removal.
6.6.5 Disinfection strategies to control DBPs while minimizing heavy metal release.
6.7 Conclusions
6.8 References
7. Application of artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in drinking water treatment processes: Possibilities for managing NOM treatment
7.1 Common AI Models
7.1.1 Recurrent Neural Network (RNN)
7.1.2 Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
7.1.3 Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN)
7.1.4 Deep Neural Network (DNN)
7.1.5 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)
7.2 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Techniques in NOM Treatment Applications
7.2.1 Application of AI in source water NOM quality determination
7.2.2 Coagulation and flocculation
7.2.3 AI technologies in adsorption and other purposes
7.2.4 Membrane-Filtration Procedures
7.2.5 AI technologies in DBPs formation and control
7.3 Using AI and ML to Improve adaptability to changing NOM character.
7.3.1 Determination of future NOM quality and quantity patterns
7.3.2 Determination of future NOM treatability needs
7.3.3 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
7.5 Future research needs
7.6 Conclusions
7.6 References
- Edition: 1
- Published: February 1, 2026
- Language: English
TN
Thabo T.I. Nkambule
Professor Thabo T.I Nkambule is the Head of the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS) at the university of South Africa, where he is also a professor. He is a C3-Rated researcher by the National Research foundation (NRF) of South Africa. He is responsible for the strategic direction, operations, and consolidation of all the research activities on water and nanotechnology within the institute. He is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) as a professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) and a member of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA), the International Water Association (IWA) and the American Chemical Society (ACS). Prof. Nkambule also serves as the current thematic area leader for the Urban Water Cycle and Water Treatment Technologies research niche at iNanoWS. His research interests are in the Urban Water Cycle, Conventional, Advanced and Integrated Water Treatment Technologies, Natural Organic Matter in Engineered Water Treatment Systems and Nanotechnology for Water Treatment. His research focus is specifically on Natural Organic Matter (NOM) in South African waters, studying its characterization, treatability, and method development for effective NOM removal from water.
Affiliations and expertise
Head of the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), University of South AfricaWM
Welldone Moyo
Dr. Welldone Moyo is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at iNanoWS. Dr. Moyo's commitment to academic excellence is evident through his extensive publication record, with over 25 journal articles and technical reports to his name; and over 15 national and international conference presentation as a speaker reporting on his own work. Dr Moyo has shown incredible research leadership in the following areas: Nanotechnology enhanced smart materials and their application in NOM treatment; Circular economy inspired innovations for water treatment; Natural organic matter in engineered water treatment systems; Emerging chemical and microbial pollutants in aquatic systems; Green chemistry inspired research and design of innovative water treatment technologies. Dr Moyo’s career highlights include the following: Recipient of the Exceptional Achievement Award in recognition of iNanoWS Excellence for best Academic Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Recipient of the Exceptional Achievement Award in recognition of iNanoWS Excellence for best Academic Doctoral student.
Affiliations and expertise
Senior Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), University of South AfricaTM
Tshepo J. Malefetse
Dr. Tshepo J. Malefetse has over 15 years’ experience in the academic, water treatment, mining & minerals processing, and renewable energy sectors. He is currently a Senior Lecturer and Thematic Area Leader of Urban Water Cycle and Water Treatment Technologies at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability at the Florida Science Campus, University of South Africa. Dr Malefetse’s research areas include circular economy of wastewater, removal of emerging pollutants from water resources; resource recovery from wastewater; and wastewater-based epidemiology. Dr Malefetse has a strong passion for mentoring young science, engineering and technology professionals, academic and scientific writing, and intellectual property and innovation He is the founding Director of TheEditingDoctor (Pty) Ltd, a company that specialises in providing proof-editing as well as academic writing workshops and consulting services in the areas of science, engineering, technology, and innovation sectors.
Affiliations and expertise
Senior Lecturer and Thematic Area Leader of Urban Water Cycle and Water Treatment Technologies, Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, Florida Science Campus, University of South AfricaTM
Titus A.M Msagati
Titus A.M Msagati is a full Professor at iNanoWS and the Water Sustainability (WS) Focus Area leader which comprises two thematic areas, namely Analytical and Environmental Research (AER) and Urban Water Cycle and Water Treatment Technologies (UWC&WTT). He specializes in the following key areas: (i) Teaching various chemistry courses at a university level (ii) Supervision of graduate students; (iii) Attracting research funding in form of student bursaries and research projects; (iv) Forming research collaboration networks with other eminent researchers whose specialization is diverse, within South Africa, Africa, and various parts of the world. He has more than 15 years of active teaching experience at University level in which together with teaching he has extraordinarily shown his presence in the areas of research globally and he has thus far published more than 250 papers in both regional and international peer reviewed journals. In addition to journal papers, Dr Msagati has also authored two (2) textbooks on Food Science and more than twelve chapters in books.
Affiliations and expertise
University of South AfricaBM
Bhekie B. Mamba
Bhekie B. Mamba is Executive Dean of the University of South Africa’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Florida, South Africa. His research interest is in nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, and water treatment technologies, focusing on creating sustainable solutions that will ensure that water resources are maintained and preserved for future generations.
Affiliations and expertise
Executive Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa