The sustainability of freshwater supplies is a growing concern that is being jeopardized by population growth, and changing climate patterns. Water supplies with increasing anthropogenic inputs are already being used to supply drinking water for a growing population and regions that are severely affected by water scarcity. Water disinfection is effective to control microbial pathogens in drinking water, but can also unintentionally react with other constituents in source waters to form disinfection by-products (DBPs). These DBPs may produce health problems caused by long-term exposure. In our research we combine chemical and biological assays to determine the DBP composition and toxicity of disinfected waters. We also investigate the formation mechanisms of toxic DBPs to understand the water quality parameters that affect their formation and devise control strategies that minimize their formation. This multidisciplinary approach is necessary to ensure the safe use of recycled waters and continue to provide safe drinking water.

Disinfection by-products in a changing environment: Chemistry and toxicity

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.