Under Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on Environmental Policy amended in 2013, total organic carbon (TOC) is newly added as water quality parameter to assess organic pollution in the aquatic ecosystem. To meet the TOC requirement and improve quality of effluent discharged into public watershed, it is also necessary to develop standards for TOC in effluent from public sewage treatment works (PSTWs).In this study, we reviewed the characteristics and removal efficiency of TOC in influent and effluent of PSTWs. The study found that phosphorus treatment process removed not only soluble phosphorus but also a portion of TOC remaining after the secondary treatment process. TOC concentration in effluent from PSTWs operated in tandem with industrial wastewater treatment work was higher due to influx of insoluble substances from the industrial wastewater treatment work.In order to lay a foundation for the management of TOC from PSTWs, it is necessary to carry out research on TOC from different perspectives. For example, studies on the generation mechanism of TOC and the impact of TOC on drinking water resources, assessment of effluent qualities through monitoring, and development of measures to control TOC for the preservation of aquatic ecosystem are needed.

• 정동환(국립환경과학원) | Dong-Hwan Jeong (National Institute of Environmental Research)
• 최인철(국립환경과학원) | In-Cheol Choi (National Institute of Environmental Research)
• 조양석(국립환경과학원) | Yangseok Cho (National Institute of Environmental Research)
• 안경희(국립환경과학원) | Kyunghee Ahn (National Institute of Environmental Research)
• 정현미(국립환경과학원) | Hyen-Mi Chung (National Institute of Environmental Research) Corresponding author
• 권오상(국립환경과학원) | Ohsang Kwon (National Institute of Environmental Research)
• 박후원((주)그린텍환경컨설팅) | Hoowon Park (Greentech Environmental Consulting)
• 신현상(서울과학기술대학교) | Hyunsang Shin (Seoul National University of Science and Technology)
• 허진(세종대학교) | Jin Hur (Sejong University)