A spatial analysis of disinfection byproducts
(DBPs) in public water supplies in Maine showed a progressive prevalence of
trihalomethanes (THM) over haloacetic acids (HAA) with increasing distance from the
ocean, as well as a parallel increase in total DBPs. Since proximity to the ocean controls
the deposition of salt from marine aerosols, background chloride was suspected as an
important factor in DBP formation. The experimental approach involved an analysis of the
influences of chloride and DOC on the formation of different types of DBPs using raw
and finished water samples (lakes or rivers) collected from 21 public water supplies in
Maine. Sample locations ranged along a 300 km transect from coastal to inland areas.
Water samples were analyzed for general water chemistry, specific UV absorbance
(SUVA), and DBPs. Additional raw water samples were collected for salt (NaCl)
addition experiments while monitoring DBP formation. The character of the DBPs
formed was analyzed using chromatography coupled to a novel ultra-high resolution
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (GC/FT-ICR MS).
Field data exhibited an inverse relationship between dissolved organic carbon
(DOC) and chloride concentrations. There was also a positive relationship between
SUVA, DOC, and DBPs that probably relates to DOC precursors of DBPs. However,
paired samples of raw and finished water showed no correlation between the type of DBP
formed and chloride concentrations. Includes 24 references, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 830 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 15 |
| Published : | 11/01/2008 |
