Modeling Trihalomethane (THM) Formation due to River Water Chlorination

The aim of this study was to develop a model for estimation of major THMs produced as a result of river water disinfection. Experiments were designed for this purpose and different ratios of Cl2 to DOC were created in water samples to which were then added different concentrations of bromide ions. After the incubation period, analyzers were used to measure natural organic compounds, TOC, and DOC in the samples and the data thus obtained were fed into the SPSS software. Moreover, multivariate regression analysis was performed to extract the relevant statistical model. Four different formulas were obtained for predicting the rate of each of the THMs produced. Reaction time and bromide ion concentration were identified as the main factors involved in the production of THMs in the water supply investigated. In addition, the carcinogenicity of THMs in water samples reached its maximum with bromide concentrations between 207 and 246 µg/l. The formulas obtained in this study can be used as a simple and accurate tool for the initial estimation of THMs production in different water supplies.