ESTIMATION OF THE TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES CONCENTRATION IN DRINKING WATER IN SOME AREA OF BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Abstract

In Iraq the surface water is one of the important sources of potable water. Water chlorination is the disinfection method most widely used, having however the disadvantage of producing Trihalomethanes (THMs) as secondary compounds. THMs formation is influenced by the raw water composition and chlorine from the disinfection process.
This research estimated the THMs concentration and the changes in Purification Water Plants and surrounding Feeding Stations. The duration of these monitoring tasks was three months (February, April and August) in 2014. There were forty eight water samples were collected from four Water Purification Water Plants (Qadisiyah, Karama, Al-Wethba and Al-Wehda) and from four Feeding Stations (Karrada, Bab-Almuadam, Utaifiyya and Qadisiyah). The total concentration of THMs ranged between (64 – 84.5 ppb), (68 – 92.6 ppb) and (74.3 –105.9 ppb) at Water Purification Water Plants in February, April and August, respectively. While the total concentration of THMs ranged between (60 – 67.1 ppb), (65 – 75.9 ppb) and (72 – 86 ppb) at the Feeding Stations, respectively. The highest values were recorded in August compared with remaining months (February and April). All the water samples within minimum limits according to WHO, IQS (0.15ppm) for drinking water. Generally, THMs levels increased during Summer and decreased in Winter regardless of disinfection method.