The Role of Natural Organic Matter during Formation of Chlorination By-products: A Review

The role of natural organic matter (NOM) in chlorination by-product formation in drinking water is complex, since characteristics of NOM and its behavior during water treatment have not yet been clearly identified. Different approaches have been applied to characterize NOM, with the objective to investigate the mechanisms of its reactions with chlorine. In this way, formation of by-products, which may have adverse health effects on humans, could be minimized. These approaches are summarized in the present review. Efforts to correlate NOM properties with formation of chlorination by-products and conclusions resulting from chlorination of humic and fulvic acid as well as raw water are also discussed.