By: Juan Vega
Disinfection is a process that is key to several industries and services in countries, as well as being an activity that has intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of the products used for disinfection may pose a risk in aquatic environments due to “disinfection by-products” (also known a “DBPs”) that stems from wastewater effluent. A study conducted in Tsinghua University located in Shenzhen, China tested the effects of 17 different contaminants within three groups: haloacetic acids (HAAs), haloacetonitriles (HANs), and trihalomethanes (THMs). The effects of these contaminants were tested on phytoplankton, zooplankton, as well as fish. The results of the experiment showed that all three groups of contaminants had unique detrimental effects in the health of the groups tested. Phytoplankton had its photosynthetic processes interrupted, while zooplankton experienced immobilization. Fish embryos showed abnormal development or even death at higher concentrations of these contaminants. The experiment also showed evidence for many contaminants negatively affecting a species at a much lower concentration that it would need to induce detrimental effects on others. Although disinfection of premises and equipment is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, moderation in its use can prevent further harm in already struggling ecosystems.
Original article:
Cui, H., Chen, B., Jiang, Y., Tao, Y., Zhu, X. & Cai, Z. (2021) Toxicity of 17 Disinfection By-products to Different Trophic Levels of Aquatic Organisms: Ecological Risks and Mechanisms. Environ. Sci. Technol. 55 (15), 10534-10541
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