Dissolved organic carbon comes from decaying plants and animals in water. It can react with disinfectants to form harmful byproducts and may indicate other contaminants.

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is measured in parts per million (ppm) and enters water sources through the decomposition of plant and animal matter. While DOC itself is not typically harmful, it can react with chlorine during water treatment to form potentially hazardous disinfection byproducts. High DOC levels may also indicate the presence of other contaminants. DOC plays a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems but can pose challenges for water treatment facilities, often requiring advanced filtration methods for removal.