This research investigated the source of natural
organic compounds that serve as precursors to disinfection
byproduct formation. Samples taken from a midwestern
reservoir showed that inputs from tributary
streams accounted for 80% of precursors leading to
the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and that
internal processes generated the remaining 20%. The
highest THM formation potential (THMFP) was found
in samples collected below the thermocline, suggesting
that decomposition of sedimenting organic matter
enhanced precursor production.
Study findings have implications for water
providers managing thermally stratified reservoirs in
agricultural landscapes. Because THMFP was largely
found to be associated with the dissolved fraction,
filtration to remove particulates would have little
influence on precursor concentrations. Hypolimnetic
withdrawals as a means of mitigating THMFP are
not recommended because of deepwater THM concentrations
arising from the production of precursors
through microbial decomposition of natural organic
matter. Implementation of best management practices
in order to mitigate nutrient loading likely
would diminish the formation potential of THMs
by reducing algal abundance in tributaries and other
source waters. Includes 27 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 99 - No. 5 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 330 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 136 |
| Published : | 05/01/2007 |
