Cancer risk assessment from exposure to trihalomethanes in tap water and swimming pool water

We investigated the concentration of trihalomethanes （THMs） in tap water and swimming pool water in the area of the Nakhon Path- om Municipality during the period April 2005-March 2006. The concentrations of total THMs, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform in tap water were 12.70-41.74, 6.72-29.19, 1.12-11.75, 0.63-3.55 and 0.08-3.40 μg/L, respectively, whereas those in swimming pool water were 26.15-65.09, 9.50-36.97, 8.90-18.01, 5.19-22.78 and ND-6.56 μg/L, respectively. It implied that the concentration of THMs in swimming pool water was higher than those in tap water, particularly, brominated-THMs. Both tap water and swimming pool water contained concentrations of total THMs below the standards of the World Health Organization （WHO）, European Union （EU） and the United States Environmental Protection Agency （USEPA） phase Ⅰ, but 1 out of 60 tap water samples and 60 out of 72 swimming pool water samples contained those over the Standard of the USEPA phase Ⅱ. From the two cases of cancer risk assessment including Case Ⅰ Non-Swimmer and Case Ⅱ Swimmer, assessment of cancer risk of nonswimmers from exposure to THMs at the highest and the average concentrations was 4.43×10^-5 and 2.19×10^-5, respectively, which can be classified as acceptable risk according to the Standard of USEPA. Assessment of cancer risk of swimmers from exposure to THMs at the highest and the average concentrations was 1.47×10^-3 and 7.99×10^-4, respectively, which can be classified as unacceptable risk and needs to be improved. Risk of THMs exposure from swimming was 93.9%-94.2% of the total risk. Cancer risk of THMs concluded from various routes in descending order was： skin exposure while swimming, gastro-intestinal exposure from tap water intake, and skin exposure to tap water and gastro-intestinal exposure while swimming. Cancer risk from skin exposure while swimming was 94.18% of the total cancer risk.

Trihalomethane formation potential of organic fractions in secondary effluent

Organic matter is known to be the precursor of numerous chlorination by-products. Organic matter in the secondary effluent from the Wenchang Wastewater Treatment Plant （Harbin, China） was physically separated into the following fractions： particulate organic carbon （1.2-0.45 μm）, colloidal organic carbon （0.45-0.1 μm）, fine colloidal organic carbon （0.1-0.025 μm）, and dissolved organic carbon （DOC） （〈 0.025 μm）. Moreover, 〈 0.45 μm fraction was chemically separated into hydrophobic acid （HPO-A）, hydrophobic neutral （HPO-N）, transphilic acid （TPI-A）, transphilic neutral （TPI-N）, and hydrophllic fraction （HPI）. The chlorine reactivity of these organic fractions obtained from both size and XAD fractionations were evaluated. The structural and chemical compositions of the HPO-A, HPO-N, TPI-A, and TPI-N isolates were characterized using elemental analysis （C, H, O, and N）, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR）, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy （1H-NMR）. Results showed that DOC was dominant in terms of total concentration and trihalomethane formation potential （THMFP）, and there was no statistical difference in both specific THMFP （STHMFP） and specific ultraviolet light absorbance among the 0.45, 0.1, and 0.025 ixm filtrates. HPO-A had the highest STHMFP compared to other chemical fractions. HPO-A, HPO-N, TPI-A, and TPI-N contained 3.02%-3.52% of nitrogen. The molar ratio of H/C increased in the order of HPO-A 〈 HPO-N 〈 TPI-A 〈 TPI-N. The O/C ratio was relatively high for TPI-N as compared to those for the other fractions. ^1H-NMR analysis of the four fractions indicated that the relative content of aromatic protons in HPO-A was significantly higher than those in the others. The ratio of aliphatic to aromatic protons increased in the order of HPO-A 〈 HPO-N 〈 TPI-A 〈 TPI-N. FT-IR analysis of the four fractions showed that HPO-A had greater aromatic C=C content whereas HPO-N, TPI-A, and TPI-N had greater aliphatic C-H content. TPI-N contained more oxygen-containing functional groups than the other fractions.

Reduction of Trihalomethanes Forming Potential by Adsorption of Natural Organic Matter on Ionic Exchange Resins

In a sanitation process of drinking water, carbon from the organic matter reacts with chlorine, forming by-products, among which are trihalomethanes (THM). These substances are carriers of mutagenic and can-cerogenic potential and hence should be removed in drinking water treatment. Since the natural organic mat-ters are precursors of THM formation, their removal from the water decreases the concentration of THMs. The THM forming potential is the most reliable indicator in evaluation of organic matter removal during drinking water treatment processes. The results have shown that the reaction producing THMs follows sec-ond order kinetics. The second order rate constant ranged from 0.024 M-1s-1 to 0.065 M-1s-1 at 22 °C and pH = 8.2 for 96 hours. The removal of 78.4% of natural organic matter, by adsorption on anionic exchange res-ins, resulted in the THM forming potential reduction by 63.1%. Various fractions of natural organic matter differ in their reactivity with chlorine, which is important when it comes to selection of the adsorption me-dium in the drinking water treatment processes.

Formation of Trihalomethanes during Seawater Chlorination

The use of seawater for industrial cooling is a vital technology that poses some of the most profound environmental impact on the water quality in the Arabian Gulf. Biocide (chlorine) is added to the seawater to control biofouling of the cooling system. This added chlorine reacts with bromide and other chemicals naturally exist in the water to form a wide range of oxidants. Regrettably, reactions between the residual oxidants and natural organic matter in the water lead to formation of toxic halogenated organic compounds that have detrimental effects on the environment when they are discharged into the Gulf. This paper describes the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in seawater cooling systems. Results of kinetic experiments have shown that concentrations of THMs increased rapidly with time during the first half hour. Chlorination of seawater has shown significant increase in total THMs (TTHMs) and in bromoform concentrations. Rapid decrease of UV absorbance at 254 nm was also observed during seawater chlorination which is indicative of natural organic matter degradation into small organic molecules including THMs and other by-products. The increase in chlorine dose was accompanied with an increase in TTHMs and bromoform concentrations. Linear relationships between total chlorine concentration and both final TTHMs and bromoform concentrations were established. First order exponential decay and exponential associate functions were developed to correlate chlorine dose with formed THMs.

Trihalomethanes adsorption on activated carbon fiber

The mechanism of activated carbon fiber (ACF) adsorption trihalomethanes (THMs) was studied. It was found that ACF adsorption THMs was exothermic, the physico-adsorption principally, but not a complete monolayer adsorption. The adsorptive capacities of ACF increased as the four species of THMs became more hydrophobic, and as the chlorine atoms in CHCls were substituted by more bromine atoms. The result of fixed-bed reactor adsorption was fitted to that of isotherm experiments.

Using prechloramination to control trihalomethanes formation in River Huang water with high bromide

An effective technology in controlling trihalomethanes （THMs） formation in the case of large amounts of bromide presenting was proposed, and the water of River Huang seriously polluted by bromide in winter in Tianjin City was studied. The THMs formation characteristics during prechloramination using preformed chloramines and converted chloramines were studied through jar tests. Results show that, in prechloramination process, the formation of THMs by preformed chloramines is very few, while that by converted ehloramines is a little higher. And the formation of THMs, especially Br^- substituted THMs, increases with the increase of time and Cl2：N ratio as well as the decrease of pH. The result obtained in a pilot plant shows that compared with prechlorination, the prechloramination process can efficiently control the formation of THMs, especially the Br^- substituted species. With equal chlorine dosage, the prechloramination can maintain a larger chlorine residue which offece, a larger CT value than prechlorination.

Effects of typical nitrogenous compounds on trihalomethanes formation and chlorine demand during drinking water chlorination

Glycine(Gly),cysteine(Cys),aspartic acid(Asp),leucine(Leu),lysine(Lys),and methyl amine(MA) were chosen as typical nitrogenous compounds,and the effects of them on trihalomethanes (THMs) formation and chlorine demand were performed on filtrated water. Results show that the nitrogenous compounds enhance THMs formation,and the increased levels are controlled by characteristics and the concentration of nitrogenous compounds. The increase in THMs formation follows the order of Asp(126 μg/L)>Cys(119 μg/L)>MA(106 μg/L)>Lys(97 μg/L)≈Gly(96 μg/L)>Leu(80 μg/L)(while nitrogenous compounds=1.0 mg/L,and background THMs=60 μg/L). The increase in chlorine demand is approximately proportionate to the content of nitrogenous compounds,which illustrates that the increase is mainly caused by the reaction of nitrogenous compounds with chlorine. And the increase in chlorine demand follows the order of Cys(27.8 mg/L)>Asp(22.6 mg/L)=Gly(22.6 mg/L)>Lys(21.6 mg/L)>MA(14.1 mg/L)>Leu(11.8 mg/L) (while nitrogenous compounds=1.0 mg/L,and background chorine demand=1.8 mg/L). The mechanisms of nitrogenous compounds enhancing THMs formation are summ the increase of chlorine demand raising THMs formation in reaction of NOM with chlorine,and the THMs formation in chlorination of nitrogenous compounds themselves.

Influence of Cleaning Time in Household Reservoirs on Trihalomethane Formation in Treated Water

Chlorination is an efficient and low-cost technique in disinfecting water for public water supply. However, during the process, the formation of undesirable by-products called halogen compounds, such as trihalome-thanes (THMs), occurs. Some of these compounds are proven to be carcinogenic to laboratory animals. The goal of this study was to investigate the occurrence of THMs in household reservoirs and the influence of cleaning time of these reservoirs on the formation of THMs. A total of 103 households were investigated in the city of Maringá, State of Paraná, Brazil. The residences were classified according to the cleaning time of the reservoir into: up to one year, one to two years and more than two years. Samples were taken from the reservoirs and total trihalomethanes (THMt) were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-MS), total organic carbon (TOC) by means of a Hach kit for low concentrations and free residual chlorine (CLres) by means of a kit for in loco determination. According to the results, the highest concentrations of THMt were observed in the reservoirs with cleaning time of more than 2 years. However, no amount has exceeded the maximum limit allowed by law. In general, the longer the time for cleaning the reservoir, the greater the degradation of water quality in THMt.

Determination of Trihalomethanes in Water Samples Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography

The chlorination process is one of the water treatment method used for the disinfection of water. The disinfection by products are trihalomethanes such as chloroform, dichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform. A headspace solid-phase microextraction method has been developed for determination oftrihalomethanes in water samples. The experimental parameters such as the stirring rate, extraction time, extraction temperature and desorption time were investigated. The linearity, detection limits and percentage recovery were evaluated. The optimum conditions were stirring rate 800 rpm/min, extraction time 6 min, extraction temperature 20 ~C, desorption time 2.5 min and desorption temperature 220 ~C. The detection limits were 0.01 ~g/L and the recoveries were in the range of 86-110 %, The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of THM4 in tap water samples. The THM4 contents were varied depending on the sample sites and the season. The total THM4 contents in cool, summer and rainy season were in the range of 27.58-41.89, 32.06-60.73 and 46.26-69.87 p.g/L, respectively. Confirmation of the detected compounds in water samples were performed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The mass spectra of the target compounds in water samples is in good agreement with trihalomethanes standard spectra.

The Effect of Trihalomethanes in Contaminating the Major Watersheds of Middle Tennessee

We have analyzed the contamination of the three major watersheds in Middle Tennessee (Middle Cumberland River Watershed, Stones River Watershed, and Harpeth River Watershed) by trihalomethanes, such as chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. These chemicals play an important role in the develop-ment of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes, and were found to be present above the threshold established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certain portions of each watershed were found to be contaminated by the trihalomethanes, and deemed un-healthy. The household incomes in the major areas in the three watershed regions were also examined to determine a possible relationship with the level of water contamination. We concluded that income did not necessarily relate to water quality. Specific areas within each watershed that had lower average household incomes were found to have a higher concentration of the trihalomethanes in their drinking water, while other high-income areas were also affected by unhealthy water. However, these effects were random, and the level of contamination remained below the guidelines regulated by the State of Tennessee.

Characteristics of Trihalomethanes in Water Distribution System

To investigate the characteristics of disinfection by-products （DBPs） in an actual water distribution system using the raw water with high bromide ion concentration, the composition and concentration of trihalomethanes （THMs） formed by chlorination of the water in the presence of bromide ion were measured in a city water distribution system during one year. The results show that brominated THMs contributed a great part （83%-89% ） to the index for additive toxicity （ATI） and resulted in the ATI of most of the samples exceeding WHO guideline standard for total THMs （ TTHMs）, especially during the summer （ rainy season）. This indicates that the chlorination of water in the presence of bromide ion leaded to high ratios of brominated THMs to TrHMs. However, a visible increase in the concentration of THMs with increasing residence time in the distribution system was not observed. Additionally, based on alternatives analysis, packed tower aeration method is proposed to reduce THMs level of the finished water leaving the treatment plant.

Total Trihalomethane Levels in Major Watersheds across the United States

Trihalomethanes, such as chloroform, bromoform, dibromo(chloro)methane, and bromo(dichloro)methane, are present in the major watersheds across the United States. These chemicals play an important role in the development of cancer, have adverse reproductive outcomes, and were found to be present above the threshold established by the Environmental Protection Agency. To understand the impact of socioeconomic background on the quality of water and possible disparities, we have analyzed the levels of total trihalomethanes in the metropolitan areas in the major watersheds across the United States, in 2018, as they correlated to average household incomes. Our study found that Arkansas, Nevada, and Rhode Island demonstrated higher than federally mandated levels of total trihalomethanes in their watersheds. The median annual household and per capita incomes of the three states (Arkansas, Nevada, and Rhode Island) were lower than the national average. In addition, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, which had higher median income levels, demonstrated the lowest total trihalomethane levels across the United States.

Trihalomethanes in Comerio Drinking Water and Their Reduction by Nanostructured Materials

The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during chlorination of drinking water is an issue which has drawn significant scientific attention due to the possible adverse effects that these compounds have on human health and the formation of another DBPs. Factors that affect the formation of DBPs include: chlorine dose and residue, contact time, temperature, pH and natural organic matter (NOM). The most frequently detected DBPs in drinking water are trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). The MCLs are standards established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for drinking water quality established in Stage 1, Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (DBPR), and they limit the amount of potentially hazardous substances that are allowed in drinking water. The water quality data for THMs were evaluated in the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA). During this evaluation, the THMs exceeded the maximum contamination limit (MCLs) for the Comerio Water Treatment Plant (CWTP). USEPA classified the THMs as Group B2 carcinogens (shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals). This research evaluated the THMs concentrations in the following sampling sites: CWTP, Río Hondo and Pinas Abajo schools, Comerio Health Center (CDT), and the Vázquez Ortiz family, in the municipality of Comerio Puerto Rcio. The results show that the factors affecting the formation of THMs occur in different concentrations across the distribution line. There are not specific ranges to determine the formation of THMs in drinking water when the chemical and physical parameters were evaluated. Three different nanostructured materials (graphene, mordenite (MOR) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)) were used in this research, to reduce the THMs formation by adsorption in specific contact times. The results showed that graphene is the best nanomaterial to reduce THMs in drinking water. Graphene can reduce 80 parts per billion (ppb) of THMs in about 2 hours. In addition mordenite can reduce approximately 80 ppb of THMs and MWCNTs adsorbs 71 ppb of THMs in the same period of time respectively. In order to complement the adsorption results previously obtained, total organic carbon (TOC) analyses were measured, after different contact times with the nanomaterials. During the first 30 minutes, graphene C/Co was reduced to c.a. 0.9, in presence of each THMs solution. MWCNTs and MOR show similar adsorptions trends in comparison with graphene.

Formation of Iodinated Trihalomethane Disinfection By-products by Co-oxidation of Natural Organic Matter with Sodium Hypochlorite and Lead Dioxide

Iodinated trihalomethanes(I-THMs)in drinking water pipelines have attracted wide attention due to their high toxicity.The coexistence of widely present lead dioxide(PbO_(2))with commonly used disinfectant sodium hypochlorite(NaClO)in drinking water might change the formation characteristics of I-THMs due to the strongly oxidizing properties of PbO_(2).This study investigated the formation of I-THMs during the co-oxidation of natural organic matter including humic acid(HA),extracellular organic matter(EOM),and intracellular organic matter(IOM)of algogenic organic matter by PbO_(2) and NaClO.Triiodomethane(CHI_(3))is the dominant product in the single oxidation system of PbO_(2),whereas trichloromethane(CHCl_(3)),chlorodiiodomethane(CHClI_(2)),and dichloroiodomethane(CHCl2I)are the major products in the single NaClO system.In the co-oxidation system,the dominant I-THMs are similar to those in the single NaClO system.However,the CHCl_(3) content decreased to 56.4%whereas I-THMs concentrations remained unchanged with the increase of PbO_(2) concentration.The main reason is attributed to the reduced residual chlorine content due to the reaction of PbO_(2) with NaClO.IOM is more prone to forming I-THMs than HA and EOM due to the specified structures.This study suggested that PbO_(2) in the drinking water supply pipelines might change the risk of THMs.

Increase in Organochlorine Contaminant Levels in Major Water Sources of the United States in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Organochlorine contaminants, such as triclosan (TCS), are present in major water sources across the United States. These antimicrobial compounds are widely used as multipurpose ingredients in everyday consumer products. They can be ingested or absorbed through the skin and are found in human blood, breast milk, and urine samples. Studies have shown that the increased use of antimicrobial agents leads to their presence and persistence in the ecosystem, particularly in soil and watersheds. Many studies have highlighted emerging concerns associated with the overuse of TCS, including dermal irritations, a higher incidence of antibacterial-related allergies, microbial resistance, disruptions in the endocrine system, altered thyroid hormone activity, metabolism, and tumor metastasis and growth. Organochlorine contaminant exposures play a role in inflammatory responsiveness, and any unwarranted innate response could lead to adverse outcomes. The capacity of TCS and other organochlorine contaminants to induce inflammation, resulting in persistent and chronic inflammation, is linked to various pathologies, such as cardiovascular disease and several types of cancers. Chronic inflammation presents a severe consequence of exposure to these antimicrobial agents, as any changes could result in the loss of immune competence. Organochlorine contaminant levels were established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019-2020 and have consistently increased in response to the novel coronavirus (nCoV) (COVID-19) pandemic. Our previous research examined the overuse of products containing triclosan (TCS), which led to an increase in total trihalomethane (TTHM) levels affecting the quality of our water supply. We also investigated the impact of the FDA ban that now requires pre-market approval. To comprehend the consequences of excessive antimicrobial use on water quality, we conducted an analysis of the levels of total trichloromethane (chloroform), a byproduct of free chlorine added to TCS, in primary water sources in metropolitan areas across the United States in 2019-2020. We repeated this analysis after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-2022 to examine its correlation with organochlorine exposure. Our study found that the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the increased use of antimicrobial products, has significantly raised the levels of total trihalomethanes compared to those reported in water quality reports from 2019-2020, in contrast to the reports from 2021-2022.

Advanced oxidation of bromide-containing drinking water: A balance between bromate and trihalomethane formation control

Addition of H2O2 has been employed to repress bromate formation during ozonation of bromide-containing source water. However, the addition of H2O2 will change the oxidation pathways of organic compounds due to the generation of abundant hydroxyl radicals, which could affect the removal efficacy of trihalomethane precursors via the combination of ozone and biological activated carbon （O3-BAC）. In this study, we evaluated the effects of H2O2 addition on bromate formation and trihalomethane formation potential （THMFP） reduction during treatment of bromide-containing （97.6-129.1 μg/L） source water by the O3-BAC process. At an ozone dose of 4.2 mg/L, an H2O2/O3 （g/g） ratio of over 1.0 was required to maintain the bromate concentration below 10.0 μg/L, while a much lower H2O2/O3 ratio was sufficient for a lower ozone dose. An H2O2/O3 （g/g） ratio below 0.3 should be avoided since the bromate concentration will increase with increasing H2O2 dose below this ratio. However, the addition of H2O2 at an ozone dose of 3.2 mg/L and an H2O2/O3 ratio of 1.0 resulted in a 43% decrease in THMFP removal when compared with the O3-BAC process. The optimum H2O2/O3 （g/g） ratio for balancing bromate and trihalomethane control was about 0.7-1.0. Fractionation of organic materials showed that the addition of H2O2 decreased the removal efficacy of the hydrophilic matter fraction of DOC by ozonation and increased the reactivity of the hydrophobic fractions during formation of trihalomethane, which may be the two main reasons responsible for the decrease in THMFP reduction efficacy. Overall, this study clearly demonstrated that it is necessary to balance bromate reduction and THMFP control when adopting an H2O2 addition strategy.

Enhanced formation of trihalomethane disinfection byproducts from halobenzoquinones under combined UV/chlorine conditions

Halobenzoquinones(HBQs)are highly toxic disinfection byproducts(DBPs)and are also precursors of other DBPs such as trihalomethanes(THMs).The formation of THMs from HBQs during chlorine-only and UV/chlorine processes with or without bromide was investigated experimentally.Density functional theory(DFT)reactivity descriptors were also applied to predict the nucleophilic/electrophilic reactive sites on HBQs and intermediates.The results were combined to explain the different behaviors of 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone(2,6-DCBQ)and tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone(TCBQ)and to propose mechanism for the promoting roles of UV and hydroxylation of HBQs in THMs formation.Under UV/chlorine,UV significantly enhanced THMs formation from 2,6-DCBQ compared to chlorine-only,mainly due to the production of OH-DCBQ^(*).Excited 2,6-DCBQ^(*)by UV benefited nucleophilic hydrolysis to produce OH-DCBQ^(*),which favored electrophilic attack by chlorine,thereby inducing more THMs formation.UV/chlorine modestly promoted THMs formation from TCBQ compared to chlorine-only.Hydroxylation of TCBQ and UV irradiation were both important in promoting THMs formation due to the high electrophilic property of OH-TCBQ and TCBQ^(*).Meanwhile,hydroxylation of HBQs and CHCl3 formation were enhanced at higher pH.This work suggested that enhanced formation of THMs from HBQs should be considered in the application of combined UV and chlorine processes.

Seasonal variation effects on the formation of trihalomethane during chlorination of water from Yangtze River and associated cancer risk assessment

For the system of water samples collected from Yangtze River,the effects of seasonal variation and Fe（III） concentrations on the formation and distribution of trihalomethanes （THMs） during chlorination have been investigated.The corresponding lifetime cancer risk of the formed THMs to human beings was estimated using the parameters and procedure issued by the US EPA.The results indicated that the average concentration of THMs （100.81 μg/L） in spring was significantly higher than that in other seasons,which was related to the higher bromide ion concentration resulted from the intrusion of tidal saltwater.The total cancer risk in spring reached 8.23 × 10 ？5 and 8.86 × 10 ？5 for males and females,respectively,which were about two times of those in summer under the experimental conditions.Furthermore,it was found that the presence of Fe（III） resulted in the increased level of THMs and greater cancer risk from exposure to humans.Under weak basic conditions,about 10% of the increment of THMs from the water samples in spring was found in the presence of 0.5 mg/L Fe（III） compared with the situation without Fe（III）.More attention should be given to the effect of the coexistence of Fe（III） and bromide ions on the risk assessment of human intake of THMs from drinking water should be paid more attention,especially in the coastland and estuaries.

Effect of bioflocculants on the coagulation activity of alum for removal of trihalomethane precursors from low turbid water

Reactivity of chlorine towards hydrophobic groups present in natural organic matter（NOM）provokes the formation of carcinogenic disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes in chlorinated water. The present study aimed to investigate the variations in coagulant activity of alum using two different bioflocculants（coagulant aid） namely, Moringa oleifera and Cyamopsis tetragonoloba for the removal of hydrophobic fractions of NOM and subsequent chlorine consumption by treated water. Effect of dual coagulants on trihalomethane surrogate parameters such as total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, UV absorbing materials and prominent hydrophobic species such as phenolic groups along with aromatic chromophores, polyhydroxy aromatic moiety have also been studied. The concept of differential spectroscopy and absorbance slope index has been employed to understand the combined effects of alum-bioflocculants on the reactivity of NOM with chlorine. Our result shows that the combination of alum and C. tetragonoloba is more efficient for reducing trihalomethane surrogates from chlorinated water as compared to M. oleifera. C. tetragonoloba elicited synchronized effects of sweep coagulation and particle bridging-adsorption which eventually facilitated efficient removal of hydrophobic fractions of NOM. The variation in the mechanistic approach of bioflocculants was due to the presence of cationic charge on M. oleifera and adhesive property of C. tetragonoloba.

Factors affecting the formation of trihalomethanes in the presence of bromide during chloramination

The effects of the concentration of dissolved total organic carbon (TOC), the TOC/Br- ratio, bromide ion levels, the chlorine to ammonia-N ratio (Cl:N), the monochloramine dose and the chlorine dose on the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) (including chloroform, bromodichloromethane, chlorodibromomethane, and bromoform) from chlorination were investigated using aqueous humic acid (HA) solutions. The profile of the chloramine decay was also studied under various bromide ion concentrations. Monochloramine decayed in the presence of organic material and bromide ions. The percentage of chloroform and brominated THMs varied according to the TOC/Br- ratio. Total THMs (TTHMs) formation increased from 112 to 190 μg/L with the increase concentrations of bromide ions from 0.67 to 6.72 mg/L, but the chlorine-substituted THMs were replaced by bromine-substituted THMs. A strong linear correlation was obtained between the monochloramine dose and the formation of THMs for Cl:N ratios of 3:1 and 5:1. These ratios had a distinct effect on the formation of chloroform but had little impact on the formation of bromodichloromethane or chlorodibromomethane. The presence of bromide ions increased the rate of monochloramine decay.