Natural organic matter (NOM) generally significantly influences water treatment processes such as coagulation, oxidation, adsorption, and membrane filtration. In addition to aesthetic problems such as colour, taste and odour, NOM also contributes to the fouling of filtration membranes, serves as a precursor for disinfection by-products (DBPs) of health concern during disinfection/oxidation processes, increases the exhaustion and usage rate of activated carbon and may promote microbial growth in water distribution networks. The efficiency of drinking water treatment is affected by both the...