Comparison of disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation from different UV technologies at bench scale

The impact of UV irradiation on disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation was investigated for low pressure, medium pressure and pulsed UV technologies using a broad range of UV doses. Four classes of DBPs (THMs, HAAs, aldehydes and carboxylic acids) were examined. This enabled the determination of effects resulting from the direct action of UV irradiation on natural organic matter (aldehydes, carboxylic acids) as well as effects on the ultimate formation of chlorinated DBPs (THMs and HAAs) from secondary chlorination. For doses of less than 1,000 mJ/cm², UV irradiation did not affect THM and HAA formation in subsequent chlorination processes, however higher UV doses resulted in lower ultimate concentrations of THMs and HAAs. UV irradiation also resulted in the formation of aldehydes and carboxylic acids at UV doses above 500 mJ/cm², compounds that are known to adversely effect drinking water biostability.