DBPs in Drinking Water Treatment Plants

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) can form in drinking water treatment plants when pre-chlorination is implemented to inhibit microbial growth and/or for oxidation. When this occurs, the formation of DBPs can increase throughout the treatment train although some removals by treatment processes are observed. Where pre-chlorination is not used, the focus is on removal of DBP precursors and how this is achieved by different advanced treatment processes intending to achieve better outcomes. The formation of DBPs can continue in distribution and is further complicated when waters are blended, particularly if they contain different residual disinfectants. The chapter concludes with a look at challenges faced by small water treatment plants when minimizing DBPs.