Removal efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by different purified water techniques in Hangzhou, China

PAHs are one of the typical persistent organic compounds (POPs) featured in regional and global cycling. So it is important to study the concentration of PAHs in drinking water and removal efficiency of PAHs by different drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Residual PAHs in the drinking water and removal efficiency of PAHs by different purified water techniques in Hangzhou city were investigated. The results showed that PAHs concentration did not meet the limit of Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2006). The removal rates of PAHs by conventional and advanced purified water technique were 23.3% and 43.5%, respectively. The levels of PAHs in drinking water of waterworks in this city were close to other waterworks in China. Compared with the waterworks in developed countries, the concentration of PAHs in drinking water from this city was higher.