PRESENCE OF TRIHALOMETHANES IN CHLORINATED DRINKING WATER: INDORE CITY-BASED STUDYChandra Mohan Thakur1, Neha Arya, Alok Saxena, Nisha Upadhaya, Avanti Hindoliya and Subhajeet Aich RoyAbstract Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the most common disinfection byproducts (DBPs). When chlorine is added to the water, it reacts with the organic matter in water such as skin scales and residuals from body care products. Reaction of chlorine and organic matter results in formation of various DBPs, including THMs. Higher concentration of THMs in drinking water network may be hazardous and can cause cancer in human beings. Chloroform, the most abundant THM, and is generally abundantly observed in the samples from drinking-water supply. However, excessive exposure to DBPs may be harmful to humans. The present study was aimed to detect the presence of THMs in drinking water samples supplied to Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. Raw, treated and finished water samples were collected from the water distribution systems of the Indore city and were subjected to gas chromatography for analysis of THMs. The study reveals that the concentration of THMs was within the acceptable limit as defined in BIS 10500: 2012 and WHO Standard. |