WAYS TO TACKLE THE VOC PROBLEM.

Except for high-molecular weight, moderately soluble compounds, conventional water treatment is relatively ineffective at reducing the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, due to the generally hydrophobic nature of these compounds and their tendency to partition into other phases, they can be removed by aeration or adsorption, or a combination of these. The most appropriate treatment depends largely on the characteristics of the contaminant. As a general rule, aeration is most effective with low-molecular weight, highly volatile compounds, while adsorption works best with high-molecular weight substances with low solubility.