Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are formed while the organic substances in water were oxidized by disinfectants such as chlorine, chloramine, ozone, ferrate, etc. In addition to organic precursors, the presence of some inorganic precursors such as bromide and iodide may complex the disinfection scenarios, leading to the formation of more toxic Br- and I-DBPs.

I have been looking at the DBP formation and control since my PhD years (2007-2011) at Penn State with a dissertation entitled “Disinfection byproduct precursors from wastewater organics: formation potential and influence of biological treatment processes”.

Recently, I was intrigued by the environmental implications of shale gas exploration regarding DBP formation, since there is evidence of surface water pollution by shale gas produced water in Pennsylvania. In addition to quantification of environmental impacts on the formation of regulated DBPs and the more toxic Br-DBPs, we also explored an innovative process – aerated electrolysis to treat the shale gas produced water on site. The potential of CDI technology to remove certain DBP precursors was also investigated. Representative publications in this regard are as follows: (# denotes my student author)

Huang, K.Z.#; Xie, Y.F.; Tang, H.L.* Formation of disinfection by-products under influence of shale gas produced water. Science of the Total Environment, 2019, 647, 744-751. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.055

Huang, K.Z.#; Tang, H.L.; Xie, Y.F. Impacts of shale gas production wastewater on disinfection byproduct formation: an investigation from a non-bromide perspective. Water Research, 2018, 144, 656-664. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.07.048

Tang, H.L.; Tang, L.#; Xie, Y.F. Aerated electrolysis for reducing impacts of shale gas production wastewater on water sources regarding disinfection byproduct formation. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 2018, 5(11), 681-686. DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00482

Liu, D.#; Wang, X.; Xie, Y.F.; Tang, H.L.* Effect of capacitive deionization on disinfection by-product precursors. Science of the Total Environment, 2016, 568, 19-25. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.219