The reactions of chlorine dioxide with aquatic organic materials and their health effects

This review describes the main reactions that have been studied in water between chlorine dioxide and various groups of organic compounds. Although the reactions of ClO₂ with some model organic compounds have also been summarised, special emphasis has been given to the reaction products that were found in actual water plants treated with ClO₂ or under conditions closely related to these.Some conclusions were drawn with respect to the mechanism by which ClO₂ reacts with aquatic organic materials. As a result of the proposed reaction mechanisms a prediction was made as to which main organic products will be formed and which health effects may be expected.The last section of the review deals with the impact of ClO₂ on some kinds of organic micropollutants, such as pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) which are often found in surface water sources and thus may also be found in drinking water.