The Occurrence of Disinfection By‐products in US Drinking Water

TLDR

The study collected DBP data from 35 water treatment plants representing diverse source waters and treatment processes to assess DBP formation and control. Trihalomethanes dominated the DBP profile, followed by haloacetic acids, while ozonation and chlorination also generated formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, and chloramination preferentially produced cyanogen chloride.

Abstract

Data were gathered on the presence of disinfection by‐products (DBPs) in drinking water and on the impact of treatment processes on DBP formation and control. Thirty‐five water treatment facilities were selected to provide a broad range of source water qualities and treatment processes. Trihalomethanes were the largest class of DBPs detected (on a weight basis) in this study, with haloacetic acids being the next most significant DBP fraction. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, by‐products of ozonation, were also demonstrated to be produced by chlorination. Cyanogen chloride was found to be preferentially produced in chloraminated water.