ALTERNATIVE DISINFECTANTS FOR DRINKING-WATER TREATMENT

During a one-yr study at Jefferson Parish, La., the chemical. microbio logical, and mutagenic effects of using the major drinking water disin fectants (chlorine, chlorine dioxide. chloramine, ozone) were evaluate d. Tests were performed on samples collected from various treatment st reams. These tests evaluated 18 of the halogenated disinfection by-pro ducts, surrogates such as total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic halide (TOX). microorganisms such as MS2 phage, coliforms, and hetero trophs, assimilable organic carbon, and mutagenicity. The best treatme nt scheme to control halogenated disinfection by-products was ozone fo llowed by chloramination. However, the total impact of disinfection ha s to be evaluated before selecting appropriate disinfectants. There ap pears to be no disinfectant(s) that is applicable for all situations.