Preface to the special issue : disinfection byproducts

Abstract

The provision of safe potable water is a basic human right, and is directly related to a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, but it also relates to others such as SDG 3 focusing on Good Health and Well-being, as well as Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). Effective treatment of water prior to its distribution for use as drinking water is critical to avoid potential negative human health effects incurred by the presence of pathogens or chemical pollutants which may be present in the source water. Water treatment may, however, generate unwanted disinfection byproducts (DBPs), the analysis of which is the focus of this Special Issue. An example is the formation of halogenated DBPs, which are formed during the treatment of water containing precursors, including natural organic matter which is invariably present in surface water such as rivers. Upon the chlorination or chloramination of such source water, a wide range of chlorinated DBPs may form, whilst brominated DBPs are of concern in salt mining areas.