Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats
Published on: December 7, 2021
Nature-based biological treatment of disinfection byproducts: Transformation pathways from high-molecular-weight
Jianshi Huang1, Weicong Wang1, Xueqi Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
Abstract:
Outdoor disinfection is an emerging source of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in urban runoff. We evaluated lab-scale bioretention cells with saturation zone (SZ) depths of 0-60 cm over 168 h to track regulated micromolecular DBPs and link secondary formation to high-molecular-weight precursors. Total micromolecular DBPs declined by 61-86 %, with biotransformation dominating at SZ > 15 cm; abiotic pathways were minor. Dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) decayed faster than trichloromethane (TCM). Deeper SZs (≥45 cm) exhibited mid-stage concentration spikes, indicating secondary formation. Molecular network analysis by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) implicated methylation and decarburization converting high-molecular-weight DBPs into TCM/DCAA. These findings highlight the need for optimized designs (e.g., SZ saturation ≥ 50 % with controlled multi-day residence) to complete transformation, limit short-term releases, and reduce toxicity. This study advances the mechanistic understanding of DBP dynamics in nature-based solutions, providing actionable strategies for urban runoff management.
Related Concept Videos
Bioremediation
Phase I Reactions: Oxidation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Carbon-Containing Systems
Oxidation reactions are fundamental in aromatic carbon-containing systems. An example is the hydroxylation of phenobarbital, a process that transforms it into...
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Drug Biotransformation: Overview
Lipid Catabolism
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control

