ABSTRACT

Organic Constituents Organic constituents in water streams may come from natural sources or by way of various human activities. Most of the natural organic compounds are soluble in water, but synthetic organics are insoluble in water. Organic constituents are classified into two categories:

1. Biodegradable Organics Organic materials that are decomposed by microbes and utilized as food to get energy for their activity and growth are known as biodegradable organics. These materials usually consist of starches, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, alcohol, acids, aldehydes and esters.