What do "disinfection byproducts" refer to?

Disinfection byproducts refer to the compounds that are formed when disinfectants, such as chlorine or chloramines, react with organic matter present in water. When disinfectants are added to treat water and eliminate pathogens, they can interact with the natural organic materials, leading to the creation of various chemical byproducts. These byproducts can include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids, which may pose health risks if present in significant concentrations in drinking water.

This understanding is crucial for water treatment processes, as managing and mitigating the formation of disinfection byproducts is essential to ensure both effective disinfection and the safety of the water supplied to consumers. The focus on the interaction of disinfectants with organic substances distinguishes this concept from other processes in wastewater treatment that are not directly related to the disinfection phase.