Determination of Trihalomethanes (THM): A Critical Analysis in Water Quality

Why is the Determination of Trihalomethanes Important?

What are Trihalomethanes (THM)?

Trihalomethanes are chemical compounds that react with organic matter during the treatment of water with disinfectants such as chlorine. Among these substances, the most commonly encountered are:

Chloroform (CHCl₃)
Bromoform (CHBr₃)
Dichlorobromomethane (CHCl₂Br)
Dibromochloromethane (CHClBr₂)

Trihalomethanes can be found in drinking water supplies and industrial waters and can pose potential health risks at high concentrations.

What are the Methods for Trihalomethane Determination?

Gas Chromatography (GC): THMs in the sample are separated in gas chromatography and measured with a detector. It is a sensitive and reliable method. It offers the opportunity to measure the individual amounts of THMs.
Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): THM compounds separated by gas chromatography are analyzed by mass spectrometry. Can detect THMs at low concentrations. Provides high specificity and accuracy.
Liquid-Liquid Extraction Method: THMs dissolved in water are measured by extraction with organic solvents. It is a simple method, but its sensitivity is low compared to GC-MS.

Importance of Trihalomethane Determination

Health Risks: THMs are potential carcinogens that can cause cancer with long-term exposure. They can have adverse effects on the kidney, liver and nervous system.
Legal Regulations: Limit values for trihalomethanes in drinking water are restricted under World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union drinking water standards (usually 100 µg/L total).
Water Quality Assessment: THM analysis is a critical test to determine the contamination of drinking water from disinfection by-products.

What are the Application Areas for Trihalomethane Determination?

Drinking Water Analysis: THM determination is performed to control disinfection by-products in water treatment plants.
Pool Waters: It is used to monitor the by-products of chlorine disinfectants used in pools.
Industrial Water: Applied to control THM formation in water-based production processes.

In conclusion; Trihalomethane determination is vital for assessing water quality and protecting public health. With modern analysis techniques, it is possible to detect THMs even at low concentrations.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Trihalomethanes (THM) Determination. We also provide services in Waste Water Determination.

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