What are disinfection by-products (DBPs)?

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) refer to the chemicals that are formed when disinfectants, such as chlorine or chloramines, react with organic matter present in the water. During the disinfection process, these chemicals can interact with naturally occurring substances, such as plant material or microbes, leading to the creation of various by-products. Some common examples of DBPs include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which can have health implications and are closely regulated in drinking water systems.

Understanding the formation of DBPs is crucial for water quality management because while disinfection is essential to eliminate harmful pathogens, the resulting by-products must also be monitored and controlled to ensure safe drinking water. This balance between effective disinfection and minimizing harmful by-products is a key aspect of water treatment processes.