How much DBPs are known
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Understanding the Scope of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) in Drinking Water
Overview of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are chemical compounds formed when disinfectants used in water treatment react with natural organic matter, anthropogenic contaminants, bromide, and iodide present in the water. These compounds are a significant concern due to their potential adverse health effects, including carcinogenicity and genotoxicity1 2 6.
Known DBPs and Their Toxicity
Identified DBPs
To date, over 700 DBPs have been identified in drinking water. However, the toxicological profiles of only a fraction of these compounds are well understood2 3 5. Among the identified DBPs, trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are the most studied and regulated due to their prevalence and toxicity1 4 7.
Emerging DBPs
Recent studies have highlighted the presence of emerging DBPs, which include iodinated, brominated, and nitrogen-containing compounds. These emerging DBPs are often more toxic than their chlorinated counterparts. For instance, iodinated DBPs (I-DBPs) such as iodoacetic acid and diiodoacetamide are significantly more cytotoxic and genotoxic than chlorinated and brominated DBPs1 8 9.
Analytical Methods for DBP Detection
Advanced Detection Techniques
The detection and quantification of DBPs at very low concentrations (parts-per-trillion) have been made possible through advanced analytical methods. Techniques such as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography are employed to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity in DBP analysis1 10. These methods have enabled the identification of 61 toxicologically significant DBPs from various chemical classes, including unregulated iodinated HAAs and THMs1.
Challenges in DBP Analysis
Despite advancements, there are still significant challenges in the comprehensive analysis of DBPs. Many DBPs remain unidentified, and the total organic halogen (TOX) in chlorinated water is not fully accounted for by known DBPs6 10. This gap underscores the need for continuous improvement in analytical techniques and the identification of unknown DBPs to better understand their health impacts3 6.
Health Implications of DBPs
Carcinogenicity and Genotoxicity
Epidemiological studies have consistently linked the consumption of chlorinated drinking water with an increased risk of bladder cancer. This association is believed to be driven by the presence of certain DBPs, although the specific compounds responsible remain unclear7 8. Brominated and iodinated DBPs are particularly concerning due to their higher genotoxicity and carcinogenicity compared to chlorinated DBPs6 9.
Regulatory Considerations
Current regulations focus on a limited number of DBPs, primarily THMs and HAAs. However, many more toxic DBPs are unregulated, raising questions about whether current regulations adequately protect public health. There is a growing consensus that new regulatory approaches are needed, potentially involving the use of surrogate metrics or toxicity assays to identify and control the most harmful DBPs5 7.
Conclusion
The identification and understanding of DBPs in drinking water have significantly advanced, yet many challenges remain. Over 700 DBPs have been identified, but the toxicological profiles of most are not well understood. Emerging DBPs, particularly those containing iodine and bromine, pose significant health risks due to their high toxicity. Advanced analytical methods have improved DBP detection, but many compounds remain unidentified. Current regulations may not adequately protect public health, highlighting the need for new approaches to DBP management and regulation. Continued research is essential to fully understand the health impacts of DBPs and to develop effective strategies for their control.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Trace analysis of 61 emerging Br-, Cl-, and I-DBPs: New methods to achieve part-per-trillion quantification in drinking water.
This study developed a new method for achieving part-per-trillion quantification of 61 toxic disinfection by-products in drinking water, improving detection limits for these compounds.
Disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water and predictive models for their occurrence: a review.
Predictive models for disinfection by-products in drinking water can be useful tools for water treatment analysis, epidemiological studies, and regulatory concerns, but require further research.
Literature Review
Highly CitedHalocyclopentadienes: An Emerging Class of Toxic DBPs in Chlor(am)inated Drinking Water.
Halocyclopentadienes (HCPDs) are an emerging class of toxic disinfection by-products in chlorinated and chloraminated drinking water, with potential long-term human health risks.
Occurrence of a new generation of disinfection byproducts.
Alternative disinfectants like ozone and chloramines can reduce the formation of certain regulated disinfection byproducts, but may increase the formation of priority DBPs.
Highly CitedTo regulate or not to regulate? What to do with more toxic disinfection by-products?
Regulating disinfection by-products (DBPs) is crucial for protecting human health, but new approaches using in vitro data and the Precautionary Principle may be needed to better protect against modern water contaminants.
Highly CitedOccurrence, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of regulated and emerging disinfection by-products in drinking water: a review and roadmap for research.
Alternative disinfection practices reduce mutagenic organic material in drinking water, but increase emerging disinfection by-products, with brominated DBPs being more genotoxic and carcinogenic than chlorinated compounds.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedHow Much of the Total Organic Halogen and Developmental Toxicity of Chlorinated Drinking Water Might Be Attributed to Aromatic Halogenated DBPs?
Aromatic halo-DBPs account for 49-67% of total organic halogen in chlorinated drinking water, with their higher developmental toxicity dominating the overall toxicity.
Highly CitedDrinking Water Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) and Human Health Effects: Multidisciplinary Challenges and Opportunities.
Drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) may increase bladder cancer risk, and new approaches are needed to identify and measure other DBP classes in addition to THMs.
Highly CitedFormation of Iodinated Disinfection Byproducts (I-DBPs) in Drinking Water: Emerging Concerns and Current Issues.
Iodinated disinfection byproducts (I-DBPs) in drinking water are more toxic and unregulated than chlorinated and brominated DBPs, with iodoacetic acid being the most genotoxic and diiodoacetamide and iodoace
Highly CitedCurrent methods for analyzing drinking water disinfection byproducts
Current analytical methods for identifying and measuring disinfection byproducts in drinking water face challenges and require further improvements to address human health concerns.
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