What process involves the removal of volatile organic compounds from water streams?

The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water streams is effectively achieved through air stripping. This process works by exposing contaminated water to air, which allows the volatile compounds to transfer from the water phase into the air phase. As the water is aerated, the VOCs vaporize and are carried away by the airflow, thus reducing their concentration in the water. This method is particularly efficient for compounds that have a high tendency to evaporate, making it a suitable choice for treating water streams that contain such contaminants.

Other methods, like filtration, chemical precipitation, and reverse osmosis, focus on different types of contaminants or rely on different mechanisms that may not be effective for VOC removal. Filtration targets solid particles, chemical precipitation involves the formation of solid compounds from dissolved substances, and reverse osmosis primarily reduces inorganic salts and some larger organic molecules but may not effectively remove VOCs due to their smaller sizes and high volatility. Therefore, air stripping is specifically designed to address the challenge posed by VOCs in water treatment.