Disinfection Byproducts

Disinfection Byproducts, also referred to DBPs, are chemical compounds that form when disinfectants (typically chlorine or chloramine) react with natural organic matter, such as leaves, algae, and other organic material present in water. These byproducts can also form when disinfectants come into contact with inorganic substances like bromide. DBPs are a concern in water treatment and distribution because some of them may have negative health implications. The formation of DBPs occur during the disinfection process which is a crucial step in the treatment of water to kill harmful microorganism such as bacteria and viruses. When chlorine and chloramine is added to water, they react with organic and inorganic matter present in the water derived from DBPs. the most common DBPs include trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acid (HAAs), with THMs including chloroform bromodichloromethanes, dibromochloromethane and bromoform and HAAs including dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, bromoacetic acid and dibromo acetic acid. Some DBPs have been known to be associated with health risks, including an increased risk of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes, based on studies involving laboratory animals.