Does Ultraviolet Light Reduce TOC’s?

Total Organic Carbon, TOC, refers to organic carbon compounds found in water and may include man-made compounds, natural or altered product, or synthetic material. TOCs may contain bacteria and harmful materials or pathogens that could cause damage, system failure or health consequences if not effectively removed. Identifying and measuring concentration of TOC’s and water and practicing TOC reduction methods protects consumers, the environment, and many industries.

Removal of TOCs is critical in many applications where high-purity water is important for process quality. TOC reduction is important in: 

• Pharmaceutical industry processes

• Wastewater treatment

• Food and beverage industry

• Semiconductor and microelectronics production 

The impact of TOCs such as bacteria and other organic compounds can have serious negative effects on these processes and others. 

How UV Lamps Reduce TOCs

Ultraviolet, UV, lamps have been used for more than 100 years to eliminate harmful viruses and bacteria in many disinfection applications.  UVC lamps effectively kill microorganisms on surfaces, in the air and in water. UV lamps for TOC reduction remove harmful TOCs from water sources for many applications. 

Some TOC removal lamps utilize 185 nanometer (nm) emissions to produce ozone, which is a powerful oxidizer. Ozone lamps leads to oxidation of the total organic compounds which is the chemical reaction caused by 185 nm UV lamps.  TOCs are ionized by UV lamps and are then removed by a deionization process. 

Benefits of UV Lamps for TOC Reduction

UV lamps for TOC reduction provide many benefits in addition to delivering an effective, safe and reliable method to purify water.  UV lamps which are designed to emit wavelengths in the 254 nm range are the most effective germicidal lamps, and also remove viruses, bacteria, mold and other harmful pathogens including TOCs.  UV lamps for TOC reduction provide:

• Germicidal efficacy

• Low maintenance costs

• Low operational costs

• Can be used in air, water, and surfaces indoors or outdoors

• Produce no harmful byproducts such as with chemicals 

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps for germicidal applications in air, water, and surfaces. We provide high-quality, high-tech UVC germicidal lamps and UV lamps for TOC reduction.  Contact us to learn more about our UV germicidal lamps and TOC removal.