NOM - natural organic matter

Natural organic matter (NOM) is a term collectively used to describe the complex matrix of organic material present in natural waters. It encludes the dissolved part, DOM, dissolved organic matter. It is a relatively undefined material consisting of numerous organic compounds but is known to contain many functional groups such as carboxyl, phenoxy and hydroxyl radicals that can participate in the formation of metallic complexes during coagulation of natural waters using either Al based or Fe based metal coagulant salts. NOM is quantified by measuring dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Fulvic and humic acids represent a major fraction of DOC.