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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Environmental Health & Safety: total carbon (TC)

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total carbon (TC)

Total Carbon (TC): A Comprehensive Measure of Organic and Inorganic Carbon in Water

In the field of environmental and water treatment, understanding the composition of carbon in water is crucial. This is because carbon can exist in both organic and inorganic forms, each with different implications for water quality and treatment processes. Total Carbon (TC) is a key parameter that provides a comprehensive overview of both forms, offering valuable insights into water contamination and treatment effectiveness.

What is Total Carbon?

TC represents the total amount of carbon present in a water sample, encompassing both:

  • Total Organic Carbon (TOC): This refers to the carbon bound within organic molecules, such as sugars, proteins, and hydrocarbons. TOC is a primary indicator of water contamination, as organic compounds can contribute to taste and odor problems, toxicity, and the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
  • Total Inorganic Carbon (TIC): This category includes carbon present in inorganic compounds, such as carbonates, bicarbonates, and dissolved carbon dioxide. TIC can affect water pH, corrosiveness, and the effectiveness of some water treatment processes.

Measurement and Analysis

Determining TC involves a two-step process:

  1. Chemical Oxidation: The water sample is subjected to a strong oxidizing agent, typically persulphate or potassium dichromate, which converts all organic and inorganic carbon to carbon dioxide (CO2).
  2. Infrared Detection: The evolved CO2 is then detected using an infrared (IR) detector. The signal strength is directly proportional to the amount of CO2 produced, which in turn reflects the initial TC concentration.

Significance and Applications

TC analysis has numerous applications in environmental and water treatment:

  • Monitoring Water Quality: Measuring TC provides a quick and reliable assessment of overall carbon content, indicating potential contamination levels and the need for further investigation.
  • Process Control: In wastewater treatment, TC monitoring helps optimize treatment processes and ensure efficient removal of organic contaminants.
  • Drinking Water Safety: TC measurement is essential for complying with drinking water regulations and ensuring the safety and potability of water supplies.
  • Industrial Applications: TC analysis is vital in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and power generation, to monitor process efficiency, prevent fouling, and ensure product quality.

Conclusion

TC analysis is a powerful tool for understanding the carbon content of water samples. This comprehensive measurement provides invaluable information for assessing water quality, optimizing treatment processes, and ensuring the safety and quality of water used for various purposes. By accurately quantifying both organic and inorganic carbon, TC analysis plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable water management practices.

Test Your Knowledge

Books

  • "Water Analysis Handbook" by E.H. Lenzing (2008): Covers various water quality parameters, including TC, with detailed descriptions of analytical methods and applications.
  • "Analytical Chemistry of Water" by S.L. Brooks (2014): Provides a comprehensive overview of water analysis techniques, including TC determination, with emphasis on theory and practical considerations.
  • "Water Treatment: Principles and Design" by J.F. Keinath (2016): Addresses water treatment processes, including the role of TC measurement in controlling organic matter and other contaminants.

Articles

  • "Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis: A Review of Methods and Applications" by M.A.S. Rodrigues et al. (2015) (Journal of Environmental Monitoring): A comprehensive review of TOC analysis techniques, including different oxidation methods and detection systems.
  • "Determination of Total Carbon in Drinking Water by Automated Combustion-Infrared Detection" by R.A. Greinert et al. (2003) (Water Research): Discusses a specific automated method for TC determination in drinking water, highlighting its advantages and limitations.
  • "The Importance of Total Carbon Measurement in Wastewater Treatment" by J.P. Davis (2012) (Water Environment Research): Explains the significance of TC analysis in monitoring wastewater treatment efficiency and optimizing process parameters.

Online Resources

  • United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA website offers extensive information on drinking water standards, including regulations on TC limits and recommended analysis methods.
  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM provides standardized methods for TC determination, including detailed procedures and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Water Quality Association (WQA): WQA offers resources on water quality parameters, including TC, with explanations of its significance and implications for different applications.

Search Tips

  • Combine keywords: Use "Total Carbon" OR "TC" along with specific aspects you're interested in, like "analysis methods", "water quality", "wastewater treatment", or "drinking water standards".
  • Use quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases, like "total organic carbon" or "infrared detection", to find exact matches.
  • Add filters: Use the search filters available in Google (e.g., "articles", "pdf", "books") to refine your search results.
  • Explore related topics: Explore terms like "TOC", "TIC", "oxidation methods", "carbon dioxide measurement", "water contamination", and "environmental monitoring" to expand your search.
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