Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Class C Water License Exam

Which two acids are byproducts of drinking water?

1. Trinalomethanes, Haloacetic

2. Chlorine, Fluoride

3. Nitric, Sulfuric

4. Acetic, Phosphoric

The correct answer is: Trinalomethanes, Haloacetic

Trichloroacetic acids and haloacetic acids are indeed byproducts that can arise during the disinfection of drinking water, particularly when chlorine is used as a disinfectant. When chlorine interacts with organic matter present in water, it can lead to the formation of these compounds through a chemical reaction known as chlorination. Trichloroacetic acid, along with other haloacetic acids, is part of a broader category of contaminants known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These byproducts are of concern because they can pose health risks if present above certain levels in drinking water. Understanding the formation of these acids is crucial for water treatment operations as they highlight the importance of controlling the amount of organic material in the water being treated and optimizing disinfection methods. Other options presented do not accurately represent relevant byproducts of drinking water disinfection. For instance, while chlorine is used in water treatment, it is not a byproduct; rather, it is an active disinfectant used to eliminate pathogens. Fluoride serves a different purpose, primarily in dental health and is not considered a byproduct of disinfection. Option C refers to acids that are not typically associated with drinking water treatment processes in this context. Finally, option D consists of