How to remove/reduce bromoform concentrations from treated water?

Question

Hello. Can anyone ​tell me how ​they have ​removed/reduced ​bromoform ​concentrations ​from treated ​water?
The ​source is a ​borehole ​extracting 1MG/​L/D on an ​off shore ​island so ​bromide is ​already present ​in the raw ​water.
The ​plant is ​unmanned and ​uses low ​bromide ​hypo ​solution as a ​disinfectant. ​ 
I have ​heard reverse osmosis or ion exchange is effective?
Best regards,
Roger

Ian Pearson · Accepted Answer

Hi Roger, since no-one seems to be responding, may I try to give some suggestions - although these are not based on direct experience. 
You could try activated carbon as a start as this is much cheaper than ion exchange or RO.  You may try this both before and after the addition of the disinfectant (I assume you are chlorinating which is then converted to bromine from the naturally occurring bromide). 
Carbon may be more effective in removing the pre-cursor before halogenation rather than post halogenation.  Ion exchange may not be very effective as the bromoform is not strongly ionised, but could be considered for use before disinfection to target the bromide. 
However without removing the organic pre-cursor you will still form chloroform if you then chlorinate.  RO will be effective, but then again apply this before disinfection unless you need to prevent microbial growth on the membranes.
Remember though that RO treated water needs to be stabilised post treatment and you may want to add salts to improve the taste.  Alternatively do not use a halogen based disinfectant.

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