Investigation of the adsorption characteristics of natural organic matter from typical Chinese surface waters onto alumina using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation

► QCM-D can view the process of complexation between NOM and coagulant. ► Adsorbed masses of NOM on Al2O3 correlate with geographical location. ► The adsorbed mass is higher if content of hydrophobic DOC is higher. ► Adsorbed layer is more non-rigid if content of hydrophobic acid is lower.