Disinfection Byproduct Control

Disinfection is necessary in order to kill pathogens and prevent their regrowth during mains water distribution, but the reaction of chlorine with organic matter can lead to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). Here the formation and control of these DBPs during water treatment and supply is discussed, and the chapter looks in detail at (1) how characterization tools help us better understand how DBPs form and (2) how preferred choice of treatment process should be based on the character of the precursors present.