What are the potential byproducts of free chlorine disinfection?

The potential byproducts of free chlorine disinfection primarily include trihalomethanes (THMs). When chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water, it can lead to the formation of these compounds. THMs are a concern in water treatment because they can pose health risks to consumers and are regulated due to their potential to form during the disinfection process.

While oxidation products and chloramines can arise during disinfection processes involving chlorine, they are not the predominant byproducts from free chlorine alone. Oxidation products may occur from the interaction of chlorine with various substances in the water, while chloramines are typically formed when chlorine combines with ammonia or nitrogen compounds rather than from the disinfection of water solely with free chlorine. Organic contaminants refer to a broad category of substances and do not specifically indicate byproducts of chlorine disinfection.