Resumen

RODRIGUEZ, Manuel J; RODRIGUEZ, Germán; SERODES, Jean  y  SADIQ, Rehan. Disinfection by-products in drinking water: Occurrence, health issues and regulations. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.11, pp.749-756. ISSN 0378-1844.

The purpose of water disinfection is to eliminate and inactivate pathogen microorganisms. Chlorine and its derivates are the predominant disinfectant in the drinking water industry. In addition to inactivate microorganisms, chlorine reacts with organic matter naturally present in water to form the so-called chlorination by-products, which mostly are organic contaminants. These by-products may potentially cause health problems. Other disinfectants have been used as alternative to chlorine, such as chloramines, ozone and chlorine bioxide. However, these disinfectants also generate potentially harmful by-products. In this paper, the mechanisms and factors responsible for the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water are presented. The potential health impacts of human exposure to these contaminants are also discussed as well as the regulatory aspects. Finally, strategies aimed at reducing the occurrence of these contaminants in water distribution systems are presented and discussed.

Palabras clave : Agua Potable ; Cloro ; Desinfección ; Reglamentación ; Salud Pública ; Subproductos de Desinfección .