Health hazard or forensic tool? Trihalomethane formation in public drinking water supplies

CHED 319

M. Brenna McNamara, mbmcna07@holycross.edu1, Jane Van Doren, jvandore@holycross.edu1, and James Bonofiglio2. (1) Department of Chemistry, College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610-2395, (2) Department of Public Works, Worcester Water Treatment Plant, Worcester, MA 01604
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are common byproducts of chlorine-treated water linked to cancer and other health effects. The mechanisms of formations are not fully understood, but depend upon the presence of organic matter and free chlorine. This study aims to determine (1) whether one or more THM concentrations can be used as a forensic tool to determine the age of water samples and (2) whether storing public drinking water in secondary containers can lead to an increase in THM concentrations and therefore pose a health risk. Water samples were taken from Worcester's public water supply. Individual THM concentrations were quantified with GC-ECD and GC-MS EPA methods. Both methods identify chloroform as the major THM formed and indicate that its concentration increases significantly in less than a week. Bromodichloromethane was also observed in all the water samples, while dibromochloromethane and bromoform show concentration levels close to the detection limit.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Analytical Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007