Unraveling enhanced DBP formation through synergy of iron particles and humic acid in drinking water

Abstract

The coexistence of iron particles and humic acid (HA) in drinking water distribution systems presents complex challenges for disinfection safety. This study ‌revealed the synergistic effects between iron particles and HA in promoting disinfection by-product (DBP) formation. Experimental characterization demonstrated that HA coordination induced surface reconstruction of iron particles, increasing their specific surface area by 34.2% (from 39.84 to 53.46 m²/g) and creating abundant active sites for chlorine activation. Remarkably, HA exhibited ‌dual functionality‌ for iron particles: (1) as a catalytic promoter, it elevated FeOOH content and perfluorooctanoic acid accumulation, intensifying DBP formation risks through transformation of particle interface; (2) as a colloidal stabilizer, it increased specific area via electrostatic repulsion, generating predominantly submicron particles (< 2 μm) with elevated environmental persistence to generate more active sites. The identified synergy effects of iron particles and HA on DBP formation provide critical operational guidance for optimizing disinfection strategies in iron corrosion-prone pipe networks within HA-enriched water systems.

Keywords

Humic acid (HA) / Iron particles / Agglomeration effect / Disinfection byproducts (DBPs)

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Funding

National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC3208101)

Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(2022044)

National Natural Science Foundation of China(52470111)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Society of Energy and Environmental Science