Geosmin and Methylisoborneol in Drinking Water

Abstract

Geosmin and methylisoborneolare two compounds that affect the smell andtasteof drinking water, and bothcan affect the perceived quality of the water.A possiblemethod for the elimination of geosmin and methylisoborneol (MIB)is theuse of hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet lightto oxidize the molecules during pre-treatment of drinking water.Samples from a scoping study, and samplesprepared at the Columbia County water treatment plant using a scaled-up method were provided, and the concentrationsof the geosmin and MIB were determinedto test the effectiveness of the treatment method. An Agilent Technologies GC-MS was used for analysis of samples on SPME fibers. Calibration curves were created using an internal standard, and were based on a USGS method. Geosmin was measured at two atomicmass to charge ratios andMIB was measured at one.The lower limits of detection were determined to be14.1 ng/Lfor geosmin and5.12 ng/Lfor MIB. While further tests are needed to validate the proposed method of treatment for these two molecules, some preliminary results will be discussed, and other factors will be addressed.