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Thursday, June 17, 2010
Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in water Guipuzcoa
The aim of this recent INMA study was to report the presence of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA) concentrations in drinking water, assessing changes in these concentrations as a function of the source and time and to estimate individual consumption during pregnancy in the INMA cohort of Gipuzkoa.
Comment at the outset that trihalomethanes are volatile chemical compounds that are generated during the process of drinking water, and haloacetic acids are byproducts of chlorination.
33 samples in 25 municipalities
To conduct this study water samples were taken at 33 points representing the water supply network across 25 municipalities in the study area. Fieldwork was analyzed in the space of time between the years 2006 and 2008.
After analyzing the samples we conclude that the total average concentration of THMs was 16.9mug / L (with a standard deviation of 7.9), while the average value of the sum of the concentrations of five HAA was 10.9mug / L, being in this case the standard deviation of 4.9. Note that the concentrations were lower in spring water samples analyzed in water from reservoirs, concentrations were higher in summer and autumn, with the average consumption of THM and HAA lower in women who consumed water spring.
Conclusions
One of the most important conclusions drawn from this study is that the disinfection products that are applied to water are affected by the source of water for the structure of the grid and by the time of year to apply and consumed.
Also say that the average consumption of these products are applied to disinfect water vary depending on the source of drinking water, and highlight the fact that the average consumption of these products 'cleaning' was much lower than the values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Note: Authors of the study: Santa Marina L, Ayerdi M, Lertxundi A, Basterretxea M, F Goñi, Iñaki Alvarez J, Arranz L, Blarduni E, Mary J. Ibarluzea