Risk Benefit Assessment of Chlorite as a Co-Disinfectant for Nitrification Control in Chloraminated Drinking Water Systems

This research strived to help the water industry better understand chlorite treatment as a nitrification control technique in chloraminated drinking water systems. The research team assessed the relative risk of feeding chlorite as co-disinfectant vs. other major treatment techniques by applying the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Cumulative Risk Assessment (CRA) Framework.
Specific Research Objectives:
1. Identify major microbial and chemical risks in chloraminated systems, including disinfectants used and associated disinfection by-products (DBPs)
2. Develop a practical CRA methodology to better understand overall health risks under different various drinking water conditions
3. Determine the risks and benefits of major nitrification control treatment techniques, including chlorite and chlorine dioxide application as an emerging treatment strategy
This is the first application of the CRA framework to evaluate the cost benefits of nitrification control strategies. Tailored Collaboration Partner: Louisville Water Company. Published in 2023.