Evaluation of trihalomethane formation in public water supply in the city of Cáceres, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have shown that the application of chlorine could lead to the formation of trihalomethanes (THM), which occurs when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter (NOM), also known as precursors of THM, present in natural waters. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has classified THM as probable carcinogens for humans. In order to assess the levels of trihalomethanes in water destined for public supply in the city of Cáceres, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, water samples were collected from three different points: P1, at raw water; P2, at the outlet of the reservoir; and P3, at the supply network, for a period of one year (from August 2018 to June 2019), with bimonthly frequency. In addition to THM, the parameters of turbidity, color, pH, and free residual chlorine were monitored. The results of raw water demonstrated that the natural phenomenon called “decoada” increased the concentrations of turbidity and apparent color in the flood/spate period, due to the intense decomposition process that occurs in this period, increasing the levels of organic matter in raw water. As for treated water, turbidity values outside the recommended values were detected. THM levels (0.09518 mg.L^-1 - P2) almost reached the MPV of mg.L^-1, as a result of the presence of precursors. The THM values were higher in P2 because this point presents a higher concentration of free residual chlorine in relation to P3. However, there was a strong correlation between THM and turbidity (p < 0.05 and R² = 0.67), thus demonstrating that the turbidity parameter may be indicative of the presence of THM precursors.

Keywords:
“decoada”; turbidity; natural organic matter; chlorine