Recent Trends in Controlling the Disinfection By-Products Before their Formation in Drinking Water: A Review

Disinfection is a technique to achieve clean and safe drinking water. But often, disinfection in itself leads to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) that are formed by the reaction of disinfectants, such as chlorine, ozone, chloramines, chlorine dioxide with natural organic matter present in the water. In order to prevent the formation of DBPs in water one must understand the conditions under which DBPs are formed and not allow these favourable conditions to occur. DBPs form once there is a chemical reaction between the organic precursors such as humic acid present in water with the disinfectant. Removing the organic precursors present in water through effective removal strategies is an effective strategy to prevent the formation of DBPs. This review paper contains various scientific findings that help us understand about the various ways DBPs are formed and how to prevent formation by timely removal of precursors and antecedent conditions.