Formation of Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) in Surface Water Sources: Differential Ultraviolet (UV) Absorbance Approach

Chlorination for drinking water forms various disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Chlorination has been attributed to the destruction of activated aromatic sites of the natural organic matter (NOM) predominantly at electron rich sites. Experiments with Istanbul surface waters showed that the magnitude of the decrease in the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance at 272 nm (UV₂₇₂) was an excellent indicator of destruction of these sites by chlorine. The main objective of the present study is to develop the differential UV₂₇₂ absorbance (ΔUV₂₇₂) related models for the prediction of the formation of THM, HAA, and their species in raw water samples from Terkos, Buyukcekmece, and Omerli lakes under different chlorination conditions. Significant factors affecting DBP formation in the raw waters were identified through numerical and graphical techniques. The R² values of the models varied between 0.94 and 0.97, indicating excellent predictive ability for THM₄ and HAA₉ in the raw waters. The models were validated using additional data. The results of this study concluded that addition of ΔUV₂₇₂ parameter into THM₄ and HAA₉ models make the prediction of these DBP compounds more precisely than those of DBP models developed in the past. A better understanding of these modeling systems will help the water treatment plant operators to minimize the DBP formation, providing a healthier and better drinking water quality as well as identifying strategies to improve water treatment and disinfection processes.     

Fate of disinfection by-products in groundwater during aquifer storage and recovery with reclaimed water

Knowledge on the behaviour of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is limited even though this can be an important consideration where recovered waters are used for potable purposes. A reclaimed water ASR trial in an anoxic aquifer in South Australia has provided some of the first quantitative information at field-scale on the fate and transport of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). The results revealed that THM half-lives varied from <1 to 65 days, with persistence of chloroform being highest and bromoform lowest. HAA attenuation was rapid (<1 day). Rates of THM attenuation were shown to be highly dependent on the geochemical environment as evidenced by the 2-5 fold reduction in half-lives at the ASR well which became methanogenic during the storage phase of the trial, as compared to an observation well situated 4 m away, which remained nitrate-reducing. These findings agree with previous laboratory-based studies which also show persistence declining with increased bromination of THMs and reducing redox conditions. Modelling suggests that the chlorinated injectant has sufficient residual chlorine and natural organic matter for substantial increases in THMs to occur within the aquifer, however this is masked in some of the field observations due to concurrent attenuation, particularly for the more rapidly attenuated brominated compounds. The model is based on data taken from water distribution systems and may not be representative for ASR since bromide and ammonia concentrations in the injected water and the possible role of organic carbon in the aquifer were not taken into consideration. During the storage phase DBP formation potentials were reduced as a result of the removal of precursor material despite an increase in the THM formation potential per unit weight of total organic carbon. This suggests that water quality improvements with respect to THMs and HAAs can be achieved through ASR in anoxic aquifers.     

Fate of disinfection by-products in groundwater during aquifer storage and recovery with reclaimed water

Knowledge on the behaviour of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is limited even though this can be an important consideration where recovered waters are used for potable purposes. A reclaimed water ASR trial in an anoxic aquifer in South Australia has provided some of the first quantitative information at field-scale on the fate and transport of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). The results revealed that THM half-lives varied from <1 to 65 days, with persistence of chloroform being highest and bromoform lowest. HAA attenuation was rapid (<1 day). Rates of THM attenuation were shown to be highly dependent on the geochemical environment as evidenced by the 2-5 fold reduction in half-lives at the ASR well which became methanogenic during the storage phase of the trial, as compared to an observation well situated 4 m away, which remained nitrate-reducing. These findings agree with previous laboratory-based studies which also show persistence declining with increased bromination of THMs and reducing redox conditions. Modelling suggests that the chlorinated injectant has sufficient residual chlorine and natural organic matter for substantial increases in THMs to occur within the aquifer, however this is masked in some of the field observations due to concurrent attenuation, particularly for the more rapidly attenuated brominated compounds. The model is based on data taken from water distribution systems and may not be representative for ASR since bromide and ammonia concentrations in the injected water and the possible role of organic carbon in the aquifer were not taken into consideration. During the storage phase DBP formation potentials were reduced as a result of the removal of precursor material despite an increase in the THM formation potential per unit weight of total organic carbon. This suggests that water quality improvements with respect to THMs and HAAs can be achieved through ASR in anoxic aquifers.     

Particles in swimming pool filters--does pH determine the DBP formation?

The formation was investigated for different groups of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during chlorination of filter particles from swimming pools at different pH-values and the toxicity was estimated. Specifically, the formation of the DBP group trihalomethanes (THMs), which is regulated in many countries, and the non-regulated haloacetic acids (HAAs) and haloacetonitriles (HANs) were investigated at 6.0≤pH≤8.0, under controlled chlorination conditions. The investigated particles were collected from a hot tub with a drum micro filter. In two series of experiments with either constant initial active or initial free chlorine concentrations the particles were chlorinated at different pH-values in the relevant range for swimming pools. THM and HAA formations were reduced by decreasing pH while HAN formation increased with decreasing pH. Based on the organic content the relative DBP formation from the particles was higher than previously reported for body fluid analogue and filling water. The genotoxicity and cytotoxicity estimated from formation of DBPs from the treated particle suspension increased with decreasing pH. Among the quantified DBP groups the HANs were responsible for the majority of the toxicity from the measured DBPs.     

Modeling the formation of chlorination by-products in river waters with different quality

Water chlorination results in formation of a variety of organic compounds, known as chlorination by-products (CBPs), mainly trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Factors affecting their concentrations have been found to be organic matter content of water, pH, temperature, chlorine dose, contact time and bromide concentration, but the mechanisms of their formation are still under investigation. Within this scope, chlorination experiments have been conducted with river waters from Lesvos island, Greece, with different water quality regarding bromide concentration and organic matter content. The factors studied were pH, time and chlorine dose. The determination of CBPs was carried out by gas chromatography techniques. Statistical analysis of the results was focused on the development of multiple regression models for predicting the concentrations of total trihalomethanes and total HAAs based on the use of pH, reaction time and chlorine dose. The developed models, although providing satisfactory estimations of the concentrations of the CBPs, showed lower correlation coefficients than the multiple regression models developed for THMs only during previous study. It seems that the different water quality characteristics of the two river waters in the present study is responsible for this phenomenon. The results indicate that under these conditions the formation of THMs and HAAs in water has a more stochastic character, which is difficult to be described by the conventional regression techniques.     

Effects of bromide and iodide ions on the formation of disinfection by-products during ozonation and subsequent chlorination of water containing biological source matters

This study aims to investigate the influence of the coexistence of halogen ions (bromide/iodide) and biological source matters on the speciation and yield of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during the ozonation and subsequent chlorination of water. The results show that the concentrations of brominated THMs and iodinated THMs increased with increasing bromide and iodide concentration. These results may be attributed to the higher reactivity of hypobromous acid and hypoiodous acid generated from the ozonation and subsequent chlorination in the presence of bromide or iodide ions. The presence of bromide increased the species of brominated HAAs. There was a shift from chlorinated HAAs to brominated HAAs after increasing the concentration of bromide. The effect of iodide on HAA formation was more complex than bromide. For most samples, the concentration of total HAAs (T-HAAs) increased to the maximum and then decreased with increasing iodide concentration. The components of the organic precursors also significantly influenced the formation of brominated and iodinated disinfection by-products (Br-DBPs and I-DBPs). Humic acids produced more CHBr₃ (596.60 μg/L) than other organic materials. Microcystis aeruginosa cells produced the most tribromoacetic acid (TBAA, 84.16 μg/L). Furthermore, the yield of NDMA decreased with increasing bromide concentration, indicating that the formation of NDMA was inhibited by the high concentration of bromide.     

Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) in Drinking Water Distribution Systems of Istanbul City,Turkey

This study presents the seasonal and spatial variations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) in 30 sampling points within three water distribution systems of Istanbul City, Turkey. The effects of surface water quality, seasonal variation, and species differences were examined. The occurrence of chlorinated THMs and HAAs levels was considerably lower in the system in which raw water is subjected to pre-ozonation versus pre-chlorination. Seasonal analysis of the data indicated that the median concentration of four THMs (THM₄) was higher than nine HAAs (HAA₉) concentrations in all three distribution systems sampling points. For all distribution systems monitored, the highest median THM₄ and HAA₉ concentrations were observed in the spring and summer season, while the lowest concentrations of these disinfection byproduct (DBP) compounds were obtained in the fall and winter period. Due to the higher level of bromide in supplying waters of these two systems, moderate levels of brominated DBP species have been observed in the Kagithane and Buyukcekmece distribution systems districts. In fact, Spearman partial correlations (Spearman rank correlation coefficients [rs]) tend to be higher among analogues in terms of number and types of substituent, especially TCAA with TCM (rs 0.91), and DBAA with DBCM (rs 0.90). In contrast, the hydraulic (residence time and flow rate) and chemical mechanisms (hydrolysis, volatilization, and adsorption) affect the fate and transport of DBPs in distribution systems. Seasonal and spatial variations of DBPs presented in this study have important implications on regulatory issues and from an epidemiological point of view.     

Water purification systems: a comparative analysis based on the occurrence of disinfection by-products

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are halogenated hydrocarbons, and are by-products of the chlorination of drinking water. Most THMs are formed in drinking water when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic substances such as decomposing plant and animal materials. Risks for certain types of cancer are now being correlated with the presence of disinfection by-products (DBPs). The present research uses gas chromatography to analyze the presence and levels of THMs in drinking water samples from a variety of sources. These include (1) municipal drinking water from two south Florida counties; (2) two brands of bottled water; (3) untreated residential well water; and (4) municipal tap water passed through additional water purification systems. The results are summarized in a tabular format, and the compliance of each water with existing US EPA-mandated standards is examined. General conclusions from this study are that all the waters tested complied with federal regulations regarding THM levels, properly functioning home filtration units may be quite effective in further reducing DBP concentrations and, as expected, non-chlorinated waters such as bottled water and residential well water contain lower THM levels.     

Disinfection by-products in Finnish drinking waters

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) were measured in plant effluents of 35 Finnish waterworks, which utilized different treatment processes and raw water sources. DBPs were measured also from the distribution systems of three waterworks. Di- and trichloroacetic acids, and chloroform were the major DBPs found in treated water samples. The concentration of six haloacetic acids (HAA6) exceeded the concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs). Chlorinated drinking waters (DWs) originating from surface waters contained the highest concentration of HAA6 and THMs: 108 and 26 microg/l, respectively. The lowest concentrations of DBPs were measured from ozonated and/or activated carbon filtrated and chloraminated DWs. Higher concentrations of HAA6, THMs, and adsorbable organic halogens were measured in summer compared to winter. The levels of chlorinated acetic acids, chloroform, and bromodichloromethane correlated positively with mutagenicity. Past mutagenicity levels of DWs were examined. A major reduction in the use of prechlorination, increased use of chloramine disinfection, and better removal of organic carbon were the most important reasons for the 69% decrease in mutagenicity from 1985 to 1994.     

Effects of bromide on the formation of THMs and HAAs

The role of bromide in the formation and speciation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during chlorination was investigated. The molar ratio of applied chlorine to bromide is an important factor in the formation and speciation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and halogenacetic acids (HAAs). A good relationship exists between the molar fractions of THMs and the bromide incorporation factor. The halogen substitution ability of HOBr and HOCl during the formation of THMs and HAAs can be determined based on probability theory. The formation of HAAs, and their respective concentrations, can also be estimated through use of the developed model.     

Trihalomethane formation during water disinfection in four water supplies in the Somes river basin in Romania

Background, aim and scope

After the discovery of chloroform in drinking water, an extensive amount of work has been dedicated to the factors influencing the formation of halogenated disinfections by-products (DBPs). The disinfection practice can vary significantly from one country to another. Whereas no disinfectant is added to many water supplies in Switzerland or no disinfectant residual is maintained in the distribution system, high disinfectant doses are applied together with high residual concentrations in the distribution system in other countries such as the USA or some southern European countries and Romania. In the present study, several treatment plants in the Somes river basin in Romania were investigated with regard to chlorine practice and DBP formation (trihalomethanes (THMs)). Laboratory kinetic studies were also performed to investigate whether there is a relationship between raw water dissolved organic matter, residual chlorine, water temperature and THM formation.

Materials and methods

Drinking water samples were collected from different sampling points in the water treatment plant (WTP) from Gilau and the corresponding distribution system in Cluj-Napoca and also from Beclean, Dej and Jibou WTPs. The water samples were collected once a month from July 2006 to November 2007 and stored in 40-mL vials closed with Teflon lined screw caps. Water samples were preserved at 4°C until analysis after sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) had been added to quench residual chlorine. All samples were analysed for THMs using headspace GC-ECD between 1 and 7 days after sampling. The sample (10 mL) was filled into 20-mL headspace vials and closed with a Teflon-lined screw cap. Thereafter, the samples were equilibrated in an oven at 60°C for 45 min. The headspace (1 mL) was then injected into the GC (Cyanopropylphenyl Polysiloxane column, 30 m × 53 mm, 3 μm film thickness, Thermo Finnigan, USA). The MDLs for THMs were determined from the standard deviation of eight standards at 1 μg/L. The MDLs for CHCl₃, CHBrCl₂, CHBr₂Cl and CHBr₃ were 0.3, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.6 μg/L, respectively. All kinetic laboratory studies were carried out only with water from the WTP Gilau. The experiments were conducted under two conditions: baseline conditions (pH 7, 21°C, 2.5 mg/L Cl₂) to gain information about the change of the organic matter in the raw water and seasonally variable conditions to simulate the actual process at the treatment plant and the distribution system.

Results and discussion

This study shows that the current chlorination practice in the investigated plants complies with the THM drinking water standards of the EU. The THM concentrations in all samples taken in the four treatment plants and distributions systems were below the EU drinking water standard for TTHMs of 100 μg/L. Due to the low bromide levels in the raw waters, the main THM formed in the investigated plants is chloroform. It could also be seen that the THM levels were typically lower in water supplies with groundwater as their water resource. In one plant (Dej) with a pre-ozonation step, a significantly lower (50%) THM formation during post-chlorination was observed. Laboratory chlorination experiments revealed a good correlation between chloroform formation and the consumed chlorine dose. Also, these experiments allowed a semi-quantative prediction of the chloroform formation in the distribution system of Cluj-Napoca.

Conclusions

CHCl₃ was the most important trihalomethane species observed after the chlorination of water in all of the sampled months. However, TTHM concentrations did not exceed the maximum permissible value of 100 μg/L (EU). The THM formation rates in the distribution system of Cluj-Napoca have a high seasonal variability. Kinetic laboratory experiments could be used to predict chloroform formation in the Cluj-Napoca distribution system. Furthermore, an empirical model allowed an estimation of the chloroform formation in the Gilau water treatment plant.

     

The occurrence of disinfection by-products in the drinking water of Athens,Greece

Application of chlorination for the disinfection of drinking water results in the formation of a wide range of organic compounds, called disinfection by-products (DBPs), which occur due to the reaction of chlorine with natural organic materials. The occurrence of DBPs was studied in samples from four drinking-water treatment plants (WTPs) and from the distribution network of Athens, Greece. Twenty-four compounds, which belong to different categories of DBPs, were monitored, including trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), haloacetonitriles (HANs), haloketones (HAKs), chloral hydrate (CH) and chloropicrin (CP). Sampling was performed monthly for a period of two years, from three different points at each WTP and from eight points atthe distribution network. Samples were analyzed by GC-ECD methods, which included pretreatment with liquid-liquid extraction for volatile DBPs and acidic methanol esterification for HAAs. The results of the analyses have shown the presence of disinfection by-products belonging to all categories studied in all water samples collected after prechlorination. The major categories of DBPs detected were THMs and HAAs, while the other volatile DBPs occurred at lower concentrations. The concentrations of DBPs did not in any case exceed the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) set by USEPA and WHO. However, monitoring these compounds needs to be continued, because their levels could increase due to changes in the quality of water entering the water treatment plants. Reduction of the concentrations of DBPs could be achieved by optimization of the chlorination conditions, taking into account the effect of time. Moreover, research on alternative disinfection methods (e.g. ozone, chlorine dioxide, chloramines) and their by-products should be conducted to evaluate their applicability in the case of the drinking water of Greece.     

Multiple regression models: a methodology for evaluating trihalomethane concentrations in drinking water from raw water characteristics

The presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water has attracted the attention of both researchers and professionals, because of the harmful effects of these substances on human health. A multiple regression model was developed to estimate THM concentrations in finished drinking water, using data from the Menidi Treatment Plant of Athens. A number of routinely measured characteristics--including chlorine dose, chlorophyll a, temperature, pH and bromide--of raw water, were used to generate a reliable methodology for predicting both total THM and individual species concentrations. Seasonality effects were also considered during the analysis. In general, these models were found to give acceptable fits, estimating accurately lows and highs over the annual cycle.     

Measurement of trihalomethanes in potable and recreational waters using solid phase micro extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) was applied to the determination of selected trihalomethanes (THMs), chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, bromoform, in potable and recreational waters. The selected samples were environmentally significant due to mandatory limits imposed by regulatory agencies. Extraction of the analytes was performed using headspace SPME (fused silica fibre with a 100 microm poly(dimethylsiloxane coating) followed by thermal desorption at 220 degrees C and GC-MS analysis. A linear working range of 10-160 microg/l was established with relative standard deviations (%RSD) within the range, 0.9-19%. Limits of detection (LOD) were 1.0-2.8 microg/l. The highest THM concentration was 61.8 microg/l which was well within the proposed European Union directive of 100 microg/l. The total THMs determined in swimming pool waters ranged from 105-134 microg/l, with chloroform accounting for 84-86% of total THM.     

Biodegradation of haloacetic acids by bacterial enrichment cultures

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are toxic organic chemicals that are frequently detected in surface waters and in drinking water distribution systems. The aerobic biodegradation of HAAs was investigated in serum bottles containing a single HAA and inoculated with washed microorganisms obtained from enrichment cultures maintained on either monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) or trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) as the sole carbon and energy source. Biodegradation was observed for each of the HAAs tested at concentrations similar to those found in surface waters and in drinking water distribution systems. The MCAA culture was able to degrade both MCAA and monobromoacetic acid (MBAA) with pseudo-first order rate constants of 1.06 x 10(-2) and 1.13 x 10(-2) l(mg protein)(-1) d(-1), respectively, for concentrations ranging from 10(-5) to 2 mM. The pseudo-first order rate constant for TCAA degradation by the TCAA culture was 6.52 x 10(-3) l(mg protein)(-1) d(-1) for concentrations ranging from 5.33 x 10(-5) to 0.72 mM. The TCAA culture was also able to degrade MCAA with the rate accelerating as incubation time increased. Experiments with radiolabeled HAAs indicated that the 14C was primarily converted to 14CO2 with minor incorporation into cell biomass. The community structure of the enrichment cultures was analyzed by both cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent approaches. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments showed that each of the two enrichment cultures had multiple bacterial populations, none of which corresponded to HAA-degrading bacteria cultivated on HAA-supplemented agar plates. This research indicates that biodegradation is a potential loss mechanism for HAAs in surface waters and in drinking water distribution systems.     

Transformation of effluent organic matter during subsurface wetland treatment in the Sonoran Desert

The fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during subsurface wetland treatment of wastewater effluent in a hot, semi-arid environment was examined. The study objectives were to (1) discern changes in the character of dissolved organics as consequence of wetland treatment (2) establish the nature of wetland-derived organic matter, and (3) investigate the impact of wetland treatment on the formation potential of trihalomethanes (THMs). Subsurface wetland treatment produced little change in DOM polarity (hydrophobic-hydrophilic) distribution. Biodegradation of labile effluent organic matter (EfOM) and internal loading of wetland-derived natural organic matter (NOM) together produced only minor changes in the distribution of carbon moieties in hydrophobic acid (HPO-A) and transphilic acid (TPI-A) isolates of wetland effluent. Aliphatic carbon decreased as a percentage of total carbon during wetland treatment. The ratio of atomic C:N in wetland-derived NOM suggests that its character is determined by microbial activity. Formation of THMs upon chlorination of HPO-A and TPI-A isolates increased as a consequence of wetland treatment. Wetland-derived NOM was more reactive in forming THMs and less biodegradable than EfOM. For both HPO-A and TPI-A fractions, relationships between biodegradability and THM formation potential were similar among EfOM and NOM isolates; the less biodegradable isolates exhibited greater THM formation potential.     

UV-H2O2 based AOP and its integration with biological activated carbon treatment for DBP reduction in drinking water

The presence of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) in drinking water is of great concern due to their adverse effects on human health. Emerging regulation limiting the concentration of DBPs in drinking water has increased demands for technologies and processes which reduce the formation of DBPs in drinking water. In this study, UV-H₂O₂ based advance oxidation process (AOP) was used to treat raw surface water. Experiments were conducted using low pressure mercury vapor UV lamps in collimated beam and flow-through annular photoreactors. The effect of UV fluence (0–3500 mJ cm⁻²) and hydrogen peroxide concentration (0–23 mg l⁻¹) in reducing the concentration of THMs and HAAs was examined. The UV-H₂O₂ AOP was then coupled with a downstream biological activated carbon (BAC) treatment to assess the synergetic benefits of combining the two treatments. It was observed that UV-H₂O₂ AOP was only effective at reducing DBPs at UV fluences of more than 1000 mJ cm⁻²and initial H₂O₂ concentrations of about or greater than 23 mg l⁻¹. However, the combined AOP–BAC treatment showed significant reductions of 43%, 52%, and 59% relative to untreated raw water for DBPs, TOC, and UV₂₅₄, respectively.     

The effects of pH, bromide and nitrite on halonitromethane and trihalomethane formation from amino acids and amino sugars

In this study, the effects of pH, bromide and nitrite on the formation of halonitromethanes (HNMs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) from eight amino acids (glycine, alanine, serine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and histidine) and four amino sugars (glucosamine, galactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylneuraminic acid) were examined for chlorination and ozonation followed by chlorination. During ozonation-chlorination, two amino acids, glycine and lysine, exhibited distinctly higher HNM formation than the other compounds. The formation of HNMs was higher at pH 8 than 6. Glycine and lysine also produced higher levels of THMs than the other compounds at pH 8. The presence of nitrite resulted in an increase in HNM formation. The presence of bromide increased the HNM formation, especially brominated HNM species. Bromine incorporation factors of trihalogenated HNMs were higher than those of THMs. For chlorination alone, HNM levels were about the detection limit (4 nM or 0.7 μg L⁻¹) at pH 6 and 8, and in the presence of bromide or nitrite. Amino acids and amino sugars tested, except glycine and lysine, showed relatively low levels of THM (∼15 μg L⁻¹) formation.     

Relationships among trihalomethane formation potential, organic carbon and lake enrichment

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are potential carcinogens formed from the reaction of the disinfectant chlorine with organic matter in the source water. This study of Kansas drinking water supply lakes evaluates the relationship among THM formation potential (THMFP), organic carbon and lake trophic state (LTS). THMFP was positively correlated to organic carbon. Total THMFP and total organic carbon were positively correlated to LTS, an estimator of lake enrichment, when very turbid lakes were omitted. These very turbid lakes (due to high suspended solids concentrations) had higher than expected THMFP, based on LTS, and higher organic carbon concentrations. THM data measured in the treated drinking water were positively correlated to THMFP, total organic carbon and LTS. The levels of organic carbon that contribute to THMs are a result of lake and watershed factors related to increasing levels of enrichment and suspended sediments. These factors are controllable by appropriate management practices.     

Formation of halogenated acetaldehydes, and occurrence in Canadian drinking water

Controlled laboratory chlorination of acetaldehyde (ACD) under typical drinking water conditions (pH 6.7, 7.6 and 8.8, and temperature 4 degrees C and 21 degrees C) revealed that the formation of chloral hydrate (CH), the most common halogenated acetaldehyde (HAs), increased with contact time (0-10 days). However, at increased pH and temperature, CH reached maximum levels and subsequently broke down partially to chloroform and other unidentified compounds. After 10 days contact time, a maximum of 63% (molar) of the initial ACD consumed were converted into CH or chloroform (TCM). Various surveys of drinking water systems indicated that ACD is not the only precursor of CH. A suite of aldehydes (including ACD), and chlorinated disinfection by-products (including TCM and CH) were found in most distribution systems. The levels of bromide in source water impacted speciation of HAs. In addition to CH, brominated and other mixed (Cl/Br) acetaldehydes were detected in most samples; the speciation of HAs and THMs followed comparable trends. Similar to chloroform for trihalomethanes, CH contributed from as low as 5% to up to 60% of the total HAs. The bromine incorporation factors (BIF) in THMs and HAs were shown to increase with increasing bromide ion concentrations in the source water. Brominated THMs are more readily formed than their HA analogues; in fact, BIF values for THMs were 2-3 times higher than for the HAs. It was found that HAs may be as high as THMs in some drinking waters. As a result, the determination of the other target HAs, in addition to CH, is necessary for a better assessment of the pool of disinfection by-products in drinking water.