Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Algal-Rich Drinking Source Water: Effects of Chlorine Pre-oxidation on Algal Growth, Algal Organic Matter, and the Potential of Disinfection By-Products

  • Published:
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Pre-oxidants are frequently used to eliminate algae and to enhance the removal of algae organic matter (AOM) at the intakes of drinking water sources; at the same time, they can cause the rupture of algal cells resulting in the release of AOM into the water sources, and AOM serves as a source of precursors for the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during the final disinfection stage in the treatment process of drinking water. This study aims to investigate the effects of different doses of sodium hypochlorite pre-oxidation on algal growth, AOM, and potential DBPs in algal-rich drinking source water named Yanlong constructed wetlands and reservoir (YL CWs-R) ecosystem. DOC, UV254, and DON had a certain reduction, and K+ concentration increased slowly at low dosage (≤ 1 mg/L). When the dose exceeded 2 mg/L, part of the algal cells were damaged, resulting in a significant increase in DOC, UV254, DON, and K+ concentrations, and the characteristic peak value and the fluorescence volume increased significantly, with the humic acid-like fluorescence area experiencing the most significant increase. Total C-DBP and total N-DBP precursors can be partially removed under low dosage (≤ 2 mg/L), and high dosage of chlorine increased total C-DBP and total N-DBP precursors after oxidation. The precursors of DCAN, TCM, BCAA, and 1,1-DCP increased with increasing sodium hypochlorite dosage, and it had a better control of DCAA, DBAA, DBAN, and TCAM precursors when the dosage was less than 3 mg/L. With comprehensive algae removal efficiency, AOM release, and DBP precursors’ control, the ideal chlorine pre-oxidation dosage was 1 mg/L.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

Data Availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  • Goslan, E. H., Seigle, C., Purcell, D., Henderson, R., Parsons, S. A., Jefferson, B., & Judd, S. J. (2017). Carbonaceous and nitrogenous disinfection by-product formation from algal organic matter. Chemosphere, 170, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.11.148

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Han, J., Cao, R., Li, K., Wang, S., Ji, G., Xu, H., Wang, J., Huang, T., & Wen, G. (2022). Change of algal organic matter under different dissolved oxygen and pressure conditions and its related disinfection by-products formation potential in metalimnetic oxygen minimum. Water Research, 226, 119216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.119216

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hu, J., Chu, W., Sui, M., Xu, B., Gao, N., & Ding, S. (2018). Comparison of drinking water treatment processes combinations for the minimization of subsequent disinfection by-products formation during chlorination and chloramination. Chemical Engineering Journal, 335, 352–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2017.10.144

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang, R., Guo, W., Liu, Z., Li, S., Zhao, Z., Shi, W., Cui, F., & Hu, C. (2023). Variations in trihalomethane formation potential of Microcystis aeruginosa under different growth conditions: Phenomenon and mechanism. Science of the Total Environment, 892, 164440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164440

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kristiana, I., Liew, D., Henderson, R. K., Joll, C. A., & Linge, K. L. (2017). Formation and control of nitrogenous DBPs from Western Australian source waters: Investigating the impacts of high nitrogen and bromide concentrations. Journal of Environmental Sciences (china), 58, 102–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2017.06.028

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, L., Liu, T., Dong, H., Wang, Y., Yang, H., & Qiang, Z. (2021a). Tracking spatio-temporal dynamics of fluorescence characteristics of Huangpu River, China by parallel factor analysis: Correlation with disinfection by-product precursor and pesticide level variations. Chemosphere, 283, 131198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131198

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., Ma, W., Huang, T., Wang, A., Guo, Q., Zou, L., & Ding, C. (2021b). Spectroscopic fingerprinting of  dissolved organicmatter in a constructed wetland-reservoir ecosystem for source water improvement-a case study in Yanlong project, eastern China. Science of the Total Environment, 770, 144791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144791

  • Li, J., Chen, J., Zhang, Z., & Liang, X. (2023a). Impact of prevalent chlorine quenchers on phenolic disinfection byproducts in drinking water and potential reaction mechanisms. Science of the Total Environment, 871, 161971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161971

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., Xie, J., Ding, C., Du, H., Gao, S., Ma, W., Liang, F., Zhang, H., & Wang, A. (2023b). Occurrence, fate and potential health risks of antibiotic resistomes in a constructed wetlands-reservoir ecosystem for drinking water source improvement. Science of the Total Environment, 901, 166055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166055

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liao, N., Zhang, L., Chen, M., Li, J., & Wang, H. (2024). The influence mechanism of water level operation on algal blooms in canyon reservoirs and bloom prevention. Science of the Total Environment, 912, 169377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169377

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, X., & Hong, Y. (2020). Disinfection by-products in drinking water. In M. N. V. Prasad (Ed.), Chapter 6 - Research status in quo of disinfection by-products formation from algal organic matter as precursors (pp. 137–168). Butterworth-Heinemann. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102977-0.00006-8

  • Liu, X., Chen, L., Yang, M., Tan, C., & Chu, W. (2020). The occurrence, characteristics, transformation and control of aromatic disinfection by-products: A review. Water Research, 184, 116076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116076

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, H., Lv, H., Xu, H., Rao, D., Zhang, J., & Sun, B. (2024). Is monochloramine pre-oxidation a viable strategy for enhancing the treatment efficiency of algae-laden water with conventional drinking water treatment process? Chemosphere, 352, 141312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141312

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, M., Wang, M., Cao, X., Li, Y., & Gu, J. (2019). Yield of trihalomethane, haloacetic acid and chloral upon chlorinating algae after coagulation-filtration: Is pre-oxidation necessarily negative for disinfection by-product control? Journal of Hazardous Materials, 364, 762–769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.09.056

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nishizawa, S., Matsushita, T., Matsui, Y., & Shirasaki, N. (2020). Formation of disinfection by-products from coexisting organic matter during vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) or ultraviolet (UV) treatment following pre-chlorination and their fates after post-chlorination. Science of the Total Environment, 737, 140300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140300

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Park, K. Y., Yu, Y. J., Yun, S. J., & Kweon, J. H. (2019). Natural organic matter removal from algal-rich water and disinfection by-products formation potential reduction by powdered activated carbon adsorption. Journal of Environmental Management, 235, 310–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.01.080

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qi, J., Lan, H., Liu, R., Miao, S., Liu, H., & Qu, J. (2016). Prechlorination of algae-laden water: The effects of transportation time on cell integrity, algal organic matter release, and chlorinated disinfection byproduct formation. Water Research, 102, 221–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2016.06.039

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, N. R. H., Linge, K. L., Li, X., Joll, C. A., Khan, S. J., & Henderson, R. K. (2023). Relating algal-derived extracellular and intracellular dissolved organic nitrogen with nitrogenous disinfection by-product formation. Water Research, 233, 119695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.119695

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ren, Z., Wang, S., Wang, Q., Lv, L., Xu, D., Dong, Y., Han, J., Ulbricht, M., Sun, L., & Liu, X. (2023). Moderate KMnO4/Fe(II) pre-oxidation for membrane fouling mitigation in algae-laden water treatment. Separation and Purification Technology, 314, 123612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123612

  • Sobolewska, E., Borowski, S., & Nowicka-Krawczyk, P. (2023). Effect of solar and artificial lighting on microalgae cultivation and treatment of liquid digestate. Journal of Environmental Management, 344, 118445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118445

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • The State Environmental Protection Administration of China. (2002). Water and Wastewater Monitoring and Analysis Methods (4th ed.). China Environmental Science Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tian, F.-X., Xu, B., Zhang, T.-Y., & Gao, N.-Y. (2014). Degradation of phenylurea herbicides by chlorine dioxide and formation of disinfection by-products during subsequent chlor(am)ination. Chemical Engineering Journal, 258, 210–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2014.07.094

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van de Waal, D. B., Gsell, A. S., Harris, T., Paerl, H. W., de Senerpont Domis, L. N., & Huisman, J. (2024). Hot summers raise public awareness of toxic cyanobacterial blooms. Water Research, 249, 120817. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120817

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Dong, H., Qin, W., Li, J., & Qiang, Z. (2021a). Activation of organic chloramine by UV photolysis: A non-negligible oxidant for micro-pollutant abatement and disinfection by-product formation. Water Research, 207, 117795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.117795

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Li, L., Sun, Z., Dong, H., Yu, J., & Qiang, Z. (2021b). Removal of disinfection by-product precursors in drinking water treatment processes: Is fluorescence parallel factor analysis a promising indicator? Journal of Hazardous Materials, 418, 126298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126298

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X., Qian, Y., Chen, Y., Liu, F., An, D., Yang, G., & Dai, R. (2023a). Application of fluorescence spectra and molecular weight analysis in the identification of algal organic matter-based disinfection by-product precursors. Science of the Total Environment, 882, 163589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163589

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y., Lin, T., & Chen, H. (2023b). Degradation of atrazine by a UV-activated organic chloramines process: Kinetics, degradation pathways, disinfection by-product formation, and toxicity changes. Chemical Engineering Journal, 468, 143788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2023.143788

  • Xue, C., Wang, Q., Chu, W., & Templeton, M. R. (2014). The impact of changes in source water quality on trihalomethane and haloacetonitrile formation in chlorinated drinking water. Chemosphere, 117, 251–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.06.083

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang, Z., Sun, Y. X., Ye, T., Shi, N., Tang, F., & Hu, H. Y. (2017). Characterization of trihalomethane, haloacetic acid, and haloacetonitrile precursors in a seawater reverse osmosis system. Science of the Total Environment, 576, 391–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yao, J., Zhao, M., Song, L., Chen, X., Zhang, Z. and Gao, N. (2022) Characteristics of extracellular organic matters and the formation potential of disinfection by-products during the growth phases of M. aeruginosa and Synedra sp. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 29(10), 14509–14521.https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-16647-8

  • Zhang, T. Y., Xu, B., Yao, S., Hu, Y., Lin, K., Ye, H., & Cui, C. (2019). Conversion of chlorine/nitrogen species and formation of nitrogenous disinfection by-products in the pre-chlorination/post-UV treatment of sulfamethoxazole. Water Research, 160, 188–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.05.063

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Gao, P., Liu, Y., Du, Z., Feng, L., & Zhang, L. (2022). Effects of different types of nitrogen sources in water on the formation potentials of nitrogenous disinfection by-products in chloramine disinfection process based on isotope labeling. Science of the Total Environment, 842, 156692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156692

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng, S., Lin, T., Chen, H., Zhang, X., & Jiang, F. (2024). Impact of changes in biofilm composition response following chlorine and chloramine disinfection on nitrogenous disinfection byproduct formation and toxicity risk in drinking water distribution systems. Water Research, 253, 121331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2024.121331

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This study was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51878587, 51808480); the Basic Research Program of Yancheng City, Jiangsu, China (YCBK202247); and the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China (22KJB610025).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, Jiangsu Province, China

    Weixing Ma, Xuan Li, Shijia Li, Jingwei Li, Weixi Ma, Zhaoxia Li & Cheng Ding

  2. Yancheng Water Affairs Group Co., Ltd, Yancheng, 224008, Jiangsu Province, China

    Dasheng Li & Ling Wang

  3. Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Environmental Protection Equipment, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, Jiangsu Province, China

    Cheng Ding

Authors
  1. Weixing Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xuan Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Dasheng Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ling Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shijia Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Jingwei Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Weixi Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Zhaoxia Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Cheng Ding
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Xuan Li or Zhaoxia Li.

Ethics declarations

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ma, W., Li, X., Li, D. et al. Algal-Rich Drinking Source Water: Effects of Chlorine Pre-oxidation on Algal Growth, Algal Organic Matter, and the Potential of Disinfection By-Products. Water Air Soil Pollut 235, 239 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07041-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07041-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation