INNOVATIVE TOOLS TO CONTROL ORGANIC MATTER AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER

Project Information

intoDBP

Grant agreement ID: 101081728

DOI

10.3030/101081728

EC signature date 14 October 2022

Start date 1 December 2022

End date 30 November 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 3 994 707,25

EU contribution

€ 3 994 707,00

Coordinated by

FUNDACIO INSTITUT CATALA DE RECERCA DE L'AIGUA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - intoDBP (INNOVATIVE TOOLS TO CONTROL ORGANIC MATTER AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCTS IN DRINKING WATER)

Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The intoDBP project addresses the challenge of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water by developing and validating integrated tools and strategies to minimize human exposure while ensuring effective disinfection. The project combines advanced monitoring, predictive modelling, treatment optimization, source protection and exposure assessment to support water quality management from catchment to consumer, under current and future climate conditions.

By integrating cost-effective sensors, analytical methods, and digital decision-support tools, intoDBP improves understanding of DBP formation mechanisms, precursor dynamics and human exposure pathways. The project explicitly accounts for climate variability and extreme events, enabling adaptation strategies that enhance system resilience. Implementation across four case studies in Spain, Cyprus, and Ireland ensures relevance to diverse regulatory, climatic and operational contexts and supports climate change adaptation measures contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on clean water and sanitation (SDG 6).

Social sciences and humanities play an important role in the project by improving the understanding of human exposure to disinfection by-products across different population groups. By analyzing drinking water use, preferences and risk perception in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, the project generates evidence to support informed decision-making in public health and water management and to guide effective policies aimed at reducing population exposure.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

WP1- MANAGE: Effective project coordination was ensured through regular consortium, WP leader and steering meetings. Case Study Boards were established and operated in all case study countries. The Data Management Plan (D1.1 and the updated version D1.2) was delivered and implemented, ensuring consistent data handling across WPs.

WP2 - SENSORS: A harmonized sampling and analytical methodology was developed and applied across all case studies (D2.1). Algorithms for predicting DBP formation potential from UV-VIS sensors were delivered (D2.2) together with a prototype fluorescence tool for real-time monitoring (D2.3). A bioreporter prototype was developed (D2.4) and a HRMS fingerprinting workflow was established to complement sensor-based approaches (D2.5). Seasonal sampling campaigns were completed across case studies.

WP3 - DISTRIBUTION: A comprehensive review of modelling solutions for DBP prediction in water distribution systems was completed (D3.1). Automated monitoring systems were deployed in a large-scale drinking water distribution network case study (D3.2). A software modelling tool to predict DBP formation and support scenario analysis and early-warning strategies was developed and validated using field and laboratory data (D3.3).

WP4 - TREATMENT: A state-of-the-art review of DBP minimization strategies was completed (D4.1). The MITO3X® technology was redesigned for drinking water applications, integrating fluorescence and absorbance monitoring to optimize pre-oxidation and chloramination processes. Pilot-scale systems were fabricated, tested, and prepared for deployment at case study sites.

WP5 - SOURCE: A modelling workflow for forecasting short-term DOM changes in source waters was developed (D5.1) and real-world source protection measures were systematically reviewed (D5.3). These outputs provide the basis for assessing climate-driven impacts on DBP precursors and informing adaptation strategies.

WP6 - EXPOSURE: Population surveys on drinking water use, preferences and DBP exposure were conducted in Spain, Cyprus and Ireland, and analyzed in a harmonized manner (D6.1). Historical DBP and physicochemical datasets were compiled to support exposure assessment and climate-DBP analyses.

WP7 - DISSEMINATION, EXPLOITATION AND COMMUNICATION: The Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Plan was delivered and implemented (D7.1). The project website, video and visual identity were produced (D7.2 D7.3). Two policy briefs addressing DBPs and water management challenges were published (D7.4 D7.5) supporting engagement with stakeholders and decision-makers.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The intoDBP project advances the state of the art by integrating sensor-based monitoring, advanced analytical methods, predictive modelling, treatment optimization, and exposure assessment into a coherent framework for managing disinfection by-products in drinking water systems. Unlike conventional approaches that address individual stages of the water supply chain in isolation, intoDBP links processes from source waters to distribution networks and consumer exposure, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of DBP risks.

Scientific advances include the development of real-time prediction of DBP formation potential based on optical sensor signals, harmonized analytical workflows combining routine monitoring with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and improved understanding of the relationships between dissolved organic matter, treatment conditions, and DBP formation. These developments enhance the capacity to anticipate DBP formation and to support timely operational decisions.

Technological advances include the integration of fluorescence and UV–VIS sensors into treatment optimization strategies and the development of digital tools for DBP prediction and early warning in drinking water distribution systems. Together, these innovations improve the ability to monitor, predict, and control DBP formation under variable operational and environmental conditions.

In addition, harmonized survey data on drinking water use and risk perception across European populations provide new insights into behavioral and socio-demographic determinants of DBP exposure. Combined with advances in monitoring, modelling, and treatment, these results move beyond isolated technical approaches and support a more integrated understanding of DBP risks along the drinking water chain.