Formation of iodinated THMs during chlorination of water and wastewater in the presence of different iodine sources

Abstract

The formation potential of iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) during chlorination of different organic precursors in the presence of various iodine sources was studied. Organic precursors included humic acid, natural organic matter from river water and wastewater effluent organic matter. Inorganic iodide and two iodinated X-ray contrast media compounds (iopamidol and diatrizoate) were used as iodine sources. The formation potential of I-THMs under different experimental conditions (chlorination contact time, iodide and bromide concentrations) was investigated. The formation of I-THM species upon chlorination of river water and humic acids rapidly increased up to 24h and then a decreasing trend was observed. Wastewater, showed a rapid formation of I-THMs within the first 6h, followed by a lower rate with extended time. Formation of I-THMs in the presence of iopamidol was more favorable regarding the other two iodine sources. CHBrClI was the dominant specie followed by CHCl2I and CHBr2I. Increasing iodide concentrations result in higher I-THMs formation. The presence of bromide enhanced the I-THMs yields and shifted towards bromine-containing species (CHBrClI and CHBr2I).