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Biofilm-Derived Disinfection Byproducts in Water Distribution: Precursor Roles and Toxicity under Various
Fan Zhou1,2, Wensen Zheng1, Xiaobin Liao1
1College of Civil Engineering, Huaqiao University, Fujian 361021, China.
Environmental Science & Technology
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Biofilms in drinking water systems create disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. Monochloramine (NH2Cl) disinfection showed the lowest DBP toxicity, highlighting its potential for safer water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) contain biofilms that are significant sources of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors.
- Understanding DBP formation from biofilm organic matter is crucial for public health and water safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DBP formation and toxicity from extracellular (EOM) and intracellular (IOM) biofilm organic matter under various disinfection methods.
- To identify key biofilm components contributing to DBP formation and assess their toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Five disinfection methods were applied to pipe biofilms.
- DBP yields and toxicity were measured for EOM and IOM.
- Biofilm composition (proteins, polysaccharides, DNA) was analyzed.
- Targeted analysis identified specific biofilm components and their DBP formation potential.
Main Results:
- Extracellular organic matter (EOM) consistently yielded higher DBP levels than intracellular organic matter (IOM).
- Ozone (O3)/chlorine (Cl2) disinfection resulted in the highest DBP yields.
- Monochloramine (NH2Cl) disinfection produced the lowest DBP additive toxicity and weakest adverse effects in zebrafish embryos.
- Identified biofilm components like amino acids and sugars had a limited contribution to overall DBP formation, suggesting uncharacterized precursors dominate.
Conclusions:
- Disinfection method significantly impacts DBP formation and toxicity from biofilm organic matter.
- Monochloramine (NH2Cl) is a promising disinfectant for minimizing DBP formation and toxicity in DWDS.
- Further research is needed to identify uncharacterized DBP precursors in biofilms for effective DBP control strategies.
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