A snapshot on trihalomethanes formation in urban stormwater: Implications for its adequacy as an alternative water resource

Urban stormwater is an important alternative water resource. In order to ensure their reuse safety, stormwater disinfection is necessary to reduce biological risk. However, disinfection by-products (DBPs) generation might threaten their reuse safety. So far, an in-depth understanding of DBPs generation for urban stormwater is extremely limited. A snapshot study was carried out on water quality and trihalomethanes (THMs, one of the most concerned DBP types) formation potential of roof stormwater and road stormwater by comparing to surface water (indirectly representing sources of drinking water) and reclaimed water. The research results indicated that the dissolved organic matters (the precursor of DBPs) had different concentrations and components in urban stormwater from surface water and reclaimed water. The THMs formation potential of urban stormwater, particularly roof stormwater, were lower than drinking water and most reclaimed water samples. These outcomes highlight the potential of reusing urban stormwater in the perspective of DBPs' generation and can provide preliminary information and guidance for urban stormwater disinfection and contribute to ensuring stormwater reuse safety.

Automated summary

A study found that urban stormwater has different concentrations and components of dissolved organic matters compared to surface water and reclaimed water. The formation potential of trihalomethanes in urban stormwater, especially roof stormwater, is lower than that of drinking water and most reclaimed water samples. These results provide important guidance for the reuse and disinfection of urban stormwater.