Although conventional treatment is not expected to remove a wide variety of specific organics, the possibility exists that it could remove a specific compound, especially if it is highly charged, or is highly hydrophobic. Activated carbon , both in granular or powdered form, is often looked on for removing synthetic contaminants. Activated carbon can remove hydrophobic contaminants from water streams very effectively. It is not expected to remove hydrophillic contaminants, unless they can be biologically removed by the microbes colonizing the carbon surface. The greater the molecular size, or charge, the greater the rejection by the membrane.
Advanced oxidation has the potential to breakdown organic molecules.
Often, however, the breakdown products are unknown. Inorganic Contaminants For inorganic contaminants, information on conventional treatment, ion exchange, membranes, and corrosion control are valuable. In this case, conventional treatment has more promise than for organic compounds. The commonly charged nature of inorganics makes conventional treatment, ion exchange, and membrane technologies more effective. Corrosion control is also important because lead exposure is often due to leaching from plumbing materials.