Disinfection of water with chlorine results in the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and other disinfection by-products (DBPs), which are considered as probable human carcinogens. The present study assessed the effects of water physicochemical parameters (pH, free chlorine, turbidity, temperature and total dissolved solid) on the levels of trihalomethanes and other DBPs in drinking and pool water sources. Extracts were obtained following the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method 551.1 and were analysed using Gas Chromatography–Electron Capture Detector (GC–ECD). Results indicate bromodichloromethane as the predominant THMs with trace amount of chloroform, while chloropicirin dominated other detected DBPs. Physicochemical parameters are within the permissible World Health Organization (WHO) limits for disinfected water except pH (4.7 - 5.2). At pH 5.2, the highest level of bromodichloromethane (2.164) μg/l for bottled water was observed. The mean concentrations of bromodichloromethane ranged between 0.0003 - 0.0069 μg/l for swimming pool water, 0.009 - 2.164 μg/l for bottled water, and 0.0003-0.027 μg/l for bore hole water. Results are in compliance with the WHO guideline value of 300 μg/l. Effort on maintaining the pH in the 7.2–7.8 range is highly recommended to promote recreational comfort in the swimming pools and eliminate adverse effect of eye and skin irritation as well as protect the lifespan of the drinking water pipes.

Chlorination disinfection by-products in drinking and swimming pool water

254th National Meeting (2017)

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