Abstract
We have analyzed the contamination of the three major watersheds in Middle Tennessee (Middle Cumberland River Watershed, Stones River Watershed, and Harpeth River Watershed) by trihalomethanes, such as chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. These chemicals play an important role in the develop-ment of cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes, and were found to be present above the threshold established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certain portions of each watershed were found to be contaminated by the trihalomethanes, and deemed un-healthy. The household incomes in the major areas in the three watershed regions were also examined to determine a possible relationship with the level of water contamination. We concluded that income did not necessarily relate to water quality. Specific areas within each watershed that had lower average household incomes were found to have a higher concentration of the trihalomethanes in their drinking water, while other high-income areas were also affected by unhealthy water. However, these effects were random, and the level of contamination remained below the guidelines regulated by the State of Tennessee.
Highlights
Clean water is essential for human health
In this study we investigated the levels of the total trihalomethanes in drinking water obtained from three major watershed areas in Middle Tennessee: Middle Cumberland River Watershed [22], Stones River Watershed [23], and Harpeth River Watershed [24], to determine the extent of contamination
For the Middle Cumberland River Watershed, there is a general decrease in the level of total trihalomethanes (TTHM) from 2015, with a slight increase from 2016 to 2017
Summary
Clean water is essential for human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them [1]. Water helps sustain organ health and allows the blood to maintain the consistency required for the transport of oxygen and nutrients cells within the body. Fresh and safe water helps in getting the body rid of various types of toxins [3]. It trains and inspects the operators that clean drinking water for water utilities. Water utilities are required to inspect water for infectious pathogens, chemical contaminants and disinfectant products on a regular basis
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