Distribution of THMs at Drinking Water Purification Plants in the East Coast Region of Gangwon-do

Objectives: In an effort to examine the distribution of THMs (Trihalomethane) generated from chlorine disinfection by the drinking water treatment plants located on the east coast region of Gangwon-do, this study surveyed the distribution and concentrations of each component of THMs twice per month for 5 years from 2008 to 2012. Fluctuation pattern in the seasonal generation amount was identified. In addition, the correlation between the concentration of organic substances in water and THMs was assessed, along with stability of purified water quality supplied by the water treatment plants on the east coast by analyzing the composition ratio of each component that constitutes THMs and the detection frequency. Method: The research was done on purified water supplied by 29 water treatment plants in 7 cities and counties (Goseong-gun, Sokcho-si, Yangyang-gun, Gangneung-si, Donghae-si, Samcheok-si, Taebaek-si) located in Gangwon-do on the east coast. Water samples were collected twice a month from 2008 to 2012 and were investigate for chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform, based on analysis through Purge-Trap (Tekmar 3000) devices using FID-attached GC (HP 6890, Hewlett Packard). Result: THMs concentration detected at Gangneung-si was 0.0086mg/L, Goseong-gun 0.0019mg/L, Donghae-si 0.0099 mg/L, Samcheok-si 0.0016 mg/L, Sokcho-si 0.0057 mg/L, Yangyang-gun 0.0027 mg/L and Taebaek-si 0.0038 mg/L. As the THMs composition rate, chloroform constitutes 51.4% followed bybromodichloromethane 22.3%, bromoform 15.2% and dibromochloromethane 11.1% respectively. Conclusion: Throughout the entire THMs survey areas and period, the maximum concentration was 0.072mg/L, which did not exceed the water quality standards (0.1 mg/L), and the overall average concentration was very low at 0.0044 mg/L.

강원도 동해안 지역 정수장의 THMs 분포