# Innovative Approaches for Minimizing Disinfection
###### Abstract  
Growing concerns over public health and environmental safety have intensified the focus on minimizing harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in water treatment. Traditional methods like chlorination, while effective against pathogens, often lead to the formation of DBPs, which pose significant risks. This paper explores alternative strategies to reducing DBP formation while ensuring effective disinfection. The methodology involved a bibliographic study conducted through the Scopus platform, using appropriate keywords. The initial search yielded 9576 articles from the period 2020 to 2024. The key approaches identified include advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as \(\mathrm{UV/H_{2}O_{2}}\) and ozone, which mineralize natural organic matter (NOM) and minimize chemical use and sludge production; membrane-based filtration systems, like reverse osmosis, effectively removing contaminants without chemical disinfectants, reducing DBP risks. Furthermore, conventional processes, such as coagulation and filtration, serve as crucial pretreatment steps to lower NOM levels before disinfection. Additionally, optimizing chlorine dosing, using non-chlorine disinfectants, and employing post-disinfection methods like adsorption and biological filtration further mitigate DBP formation. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence in process optimization is emerging as a promising tool for enhancing treatment efficiency and safety. This research contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable water treatment solutions, addressing regulatory demands and public health objectives.  
chiorination; precursors; drinking water; disinfection byproducts; advanced water treatment technologies; machine learning +
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halogenated solvents, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, resulting in the formation of a spectrum of halogenated compounds known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs) [1]. These compounds arise from the interaction of chlorine, bromine, or iodine with naturally present organic matter in water [5]. Numerous studies have indicated that these compounds lead to adverse health effects in humans through various exposure pathways (ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact) [7; 8; 9; 10]. Especially, DBPs are associated with an increased risk of cancer, growth retardation, spontaneous abortion, and congenital heart defects [11].  
Specifically, when chlorine is introduced to water, some of it initially reacts with the inorganic and organic materials, as well as and metals present, rendering it unavailable for disinfection. This is known as the chlorine demand of water. The remaining quantity is called total chlorine and is divided into combined and free chlorine. Combined chlorine is a mild disinfectant and becomes ineffective for disinfection when it reacts with inorganic substances such as nitrates and organic nitrogen-containing molecules like urea. Free chlorine represents the remaining chlorine available to deactivate pathogens, indicating water potability. Therefore, the total chlorine required is the sum of combined chlorine and free chlorine [6].  
DBPs are found in various types of water that undergo disinfection before being used or discharged. They are formed during water treatment processes, such as drinking water treatment processes, water distribution, seawater desalination, pool water regeneration, aquaculture water disinfection, ballast water treatment, hospital and domestic wastewater treatment, equipment cleaning, and others. During the discharge of disinfected recycled water, DBPs are transferred to surface waters, marine waters, and groundwater [12].