ABSTRACT
Securing and extending potable water provision is a formidable societal challenge, as the available supplies of freshwater are facing the problem of extended droughts, population growth and competing demands from different users (Lee and Schwab, 2005; Moe and Rheingans, 2006; Savage and Diallo, 2005; Vörösmarty et al., 2000). Moreover, water sources can be contaminated by microorganisms, heavy metals, inorganic compounds, organic pollutants and many other emerging contaminants that can be harmful to human beings and the environment (Fatta-Kassinos et al., 2011; Li et al., 2011; O’Connor, 1996).
