Trihalomethanes (THMs) have an industrial use of being a common refrigerant—specifically trifluoromethane and chlorodifluoromethane. THMs are also seen in treated water sources and chlorinated swimming pools. This occurs when drinking and pool water is treated with chlorine to disinfect it. The chlorine reacts with organic materials in the water to form a THM by-product. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified THMs as carcinogenic. Chloroform has also been found to be damaging to the liver and kidneys when consumed at elevated levels for a long period of time. The EPA has thusly limited total THMs to 80 ppb in drinking water. Through this investigation, the concentrations of THMs were measured in drinking water sources in the Shreveport/Bossier area. These sources were predominantly located in the southern area of Shreveport. Four THMs were studied—chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane. In order to be feasible for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, THMs were extracted by methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). According to our investigation, neither bromoform nor dibromochloromethane was detected in water samples from either city. Bromodichloromethane was found from both cities in only 45% of the samples while chloroform was found in all samples. Statistical study shows the concentration of chloroform in Shreveport and Bossier water samples were significantly different. All Bossier samples were below the EPA limit, but in Shreveport, several samples had concentrations above the 80 ppb limit. The results showed the bromodichloromethane concentration in both cities were similar. With this study, we hope to keep the citizens in the Shreveport/Bossier area informed on the chemical they are consuming daily.

Determination of trihalomethanes levels in Shreveport/Bossier water

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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