Evaluation of the DBP formation potential of biocides and identification of knowledge gaps in environmental risk assessment

Abstract Disinfectants and preservatives used as biocides may contain or release active substances (a.s.) that can form by-products with the surrounding matrices during their application which be released into environment. Over past 40 years, several hundred of these so-called disinfection (DBPs) have been detected after applications for disinfection. Due to intensive research further development analytical capabilities, many new DBP classes, such iodinated DBPs (I-DBPs), halonitromethanes (HNMs), haloacetamides (HaAms), halomethanesulfonic acids were worldwide in various applications. possible hazards risks humans environment, frequently occurring trihalomethanes (THM), haloacetic (HAA) nitrosamines (NDMA), already included legislations given limit values. In European Union, are assessed under Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012 (BPR) regarding efficacy, potential hazards, human health However, available guidance environmental risk assessment (ERA) remains vague. To identify knowledge gaps develop scheme ERA DBPs, a literature search on multiple uses formation was performed existing process evaluated. The results show non-aqueous systems by non-halogen-based biocidal substances. Based biocides, proposal grouping a.s. consider is presented simplify future ERAs. this also requires research. Until then, pragmatic approach considering identified need established EU. Graphical