Trihalomethanes in Groundwater Systems

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Aqueous Cl reacts with certain precursors in water to form trihalomethanes [THM] which are suspected carcinogens-mutagens. In the past, much attention has been given to the formation of THM in surface waters, but little attention has been given to groundwater systems. Groundwater supplies in 6 small towns in Maryland [USA] were studied. Samples of raw and finished water were collected and analyzed for THM and for THM formation potential at ambient pH and at pH 9. In raw water samples the only THM detected was chloroform, and the highest concentration was 2.5 .mu.g/l. In finished water samples, chloroform concentrations were higher and no other species were detected, except for 1 supply where the chloroform concentration was 24.8 .mu.g/l and total THM were 103.5 .mu.g/l, the difference being brominated compounds. Significant amounts of brominated compounds were found in only 1 other supply, but total THM were relatively low. The results of THM formation potential generally followed the same pattern, and showed a slight increase in formation potential at higher pH. More attention needs to be given to monitoring groundwater supplies in small towns.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: