Natural organic matter and disinfection by-products: Characterization and control in drinking water - An overview

This chapter presents an overview of past research on natural organic matter (NOM) characterization and its relationship to disinfection by-product (DBP) formation and control in drinking water. The drinking water industry is required to minimize DBP formation while ensuring adequate disinfection. A large body of occurrence, treatment, and health effects data exists for certain DBPs that are present in drinking water, primarily for trihalomethanes and other chlorination by-products. This chapter provides background and a brief introduction to each section of the book, organized according to the book's five main topics: Regulatory and Health Effects Background; NOM Characterization and Reactivity; Formation of Chlorination DBPs; Chemistry of Alternative Disinfectants; and DBP Methods Development..