Trihalomethanes

THMs are formed in drinking water when free chlorine comes in contact with naturally occurring organic compounds (THM precursors). 1 25% of samples taken must be from the extremities of the distribution system. 2 TTHM (Total trihalomethane) MCL 0.10 mg/L or 100 g/L 1 The higher the temp., the faster the THMs will be produced. 3 The higher the pH of the water, the faster the production of THMs. 3 The higher the concentration of free Cl2 and natural organics in the water, the more THMs will be produced. 3 Three treatment options available to control THMs: 4 1. Remove THMs after they have formed. 2. Remove THM precursors before chlorine is added. 3. Use a disinfectant other than free chlorine. Three treatment processes available to remove THMs after they have been formed: 5 1. Oxidation a. Ozone b. Chlorine dioxide c. Ozone/ultraviolet 2. Aeration a. Open storage b. Diffused air c. Towers 3. Adsorption a. Powdered activated carbon b. Synthetic resins

Aeration is most effective on the more volatile chemicals. Chloroform is the most volatile of the THMs and is generally the most easily removed by aeration. Bromoform is the least volatile and is the hardest to remove by aeration. 5 Alternative disinfectants: 6 1. Ozone 2. Chloramines 3. Chlorine dioxide Chloramines must be removed from the water before it is used in kidney dialysis machines. 6 THMs are not formed when disinfecting with Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) or chloramines. 7 Chloramines are toxic to fish in home aquariums. 6 Definitions Carcinogen Any substance which tends to produce cancer in an organsim.
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Volatile A volatile substance is one that is capable of being evaporated or changed to a vapor at relatively low temperatures. 8 Footnotes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. II; 129; 15.0 II; 131; 15.20 II; 133; 15.22 II; 134; 15.3 II; 135; 15.51 II; 138; 15.53 II; 134; 15.4 II, 128