Speciation and geospatial analysis of disinfection byproducts in urban drinking water

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the most abundant disinfection byproducts (DBPs) of the chlorination disinfection. THMs speciation and their geospatial distribution were examined in 58 locations throughout the water distribution network of Karachi city. THMs (CHCl3, CHCl2Br, CHClBr2 and CHBr3) and physico-chemical parameters (pH, TDS, DO, Residual chlorine, temperature and TOC) were determined. CHCl3 was the major THM found in all water samples of 58 locations, which accounted for 91.69 % of the total THMS followed by CHCl2Br (5.69 %), CHClBr2 (1.78 %) and CHBr3 (0.85 %). Total THMs level exceed the maximum contamination level of WHO and USEPA at some locations. Varying nature of correlation from high to low was found within THMs and among the physico-chemical parameters. GIS linked geospatial analysis revealed the association of THMs level with demographical and geological based variations from east to west of Karachi city. Continuous monitoring program and legislation for the contaminant levels were suggested to avoid adverse public health impact of THMs in drinking water supplies.