Advances in Environmental Research Volume 1, Number 3, September 2012 , pages 181-189 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/aer.2012.1.3.181 |
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Trihalomethane formation potential of drinking water sources in a rural location |
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R. Rajamohan, Vinitha Ebeneze, Puspalata Rajes, V.P. Venugopalan, Usha Natesan, V. Murugesan and S.V. Narasimhan
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Abstract | ||
Trihalomethanes, produced as a result of chlorination of drinking water, are considered a potential health hazard. The trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) of a raw water source may indicate the maximum trihalomethanes (THMs) that are likely to be produced when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter (NOM) present in the water. A study was conducted to evaluate the THMFP in even different drinking water sources in the vicinity of Kalpakkam, a rural township, on the east coast of India. Water from seven stations were analysed for THMFP. THMFP was compared with surrogate parameters such as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ultraviolet absorbance (UV254 ) and bromide. The data showed that THMFP was high in water from open wells as compared to closed bore wells, possibly due to more photosynthetic activity. Proximity to sea, and consequently the levels of bromide, was an important factor that influenced THM formation. THM surrogate parameters showed good correlation with THMFP. | ||
Key Words | ||
chlorination by-products; trihalomethane formation potential; dissolved organic carbon; ultraviolet absorbance; bromide | ||
Address | ||
R. Rajamohan, Puspalata Rajesh, V.P. Venugopalan and S.V. Narasimhan: Water and Steam Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India; Vinitha Ebenezer: Department Of Green Life Sciences, Sangmyung University, South Korea; Usha Natesan and V. Murugesan: Centre for Research, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | ||