Evaluation of Trihalomethane Formation Risk Analysis in Swimming Pools in Eskisehir, Turkey

Abstract Swimming pools are popular entertainment and sport areas that people often use. For this reason, it is crucial to determine the physicochemical properties and Trihalomethanes (THMs) concentrations of swimming pools and the effect of THMs on swimmer health. This study focuses on the physicochemical parameters and THM concentrations of six swimming pools in Eskisehir and the impacts of THMs on human health. Within the study context, physicochemical parameters were examined and swimming pool water standards of various countries and organizations were evaluated. The alkalinity, pH, temperature, hardness, and free chlorine values of the swimming pools were determined to compare with the current standards. Concentrations of chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), and dibromochloromethane (DBCM) were also determined in the collected samples. Concentrations were found to be in the range of 11.6-100.1 µg/l for BDCM, 151.5-366.4 µg/l for TCM, ND-6.95 µg/l for DBCM, and 172.1-380.7 µg/l for TTHM. From the results, it was determined that TTHM concentrations were above the limit values defined by WHO, while chloroform (except P1 and P5 pools), BDCM (except P3 pool), and DBCM concentrations were significantly below the limit values. TTHMs and chloroform concentrations were high in tap water using sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant. BDCM and DBCM concentrations were high in pools where groundwater was used. Health risks of THMs in pools through ingestion and dermal absorption were also estimated for both women and men. In the interpretation of the result, it was also found that high concentrations of TTHMs increased the risk, and women’s ingestion-based risk values are slightly higher than men’s ingestion-based risk values. Fingerprints of THM formation in pool water are precursor parameters and it is of great importance to constantly control and take precautions. It has been observed that the use of groundwater as a water source and NaCl as a disinfectant significantly reduces THM formation in swimming pools. However, in order to reduce the BDCM and DBCM concentrations in the use of groundwater, it is recommended to measure the precursor bromide and establish the relevant limit values. The use of hypochlorite disinfectants in pools where tap water is used as a water source increases THM formation. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the amount of organic carbon as a precursor for pools using tap water as a water source and add it to the limit values. In addition, the use of calcium hypochlorite disinfectant instead of sodium hypochlorite reduces THM formation. Highlight Physicochemical properties and THMs concentrations of swimming pools and effects of trihalomethanes (THMs) on the health of swimmers. Physicochemical parameters and THM concentrations of six swimming pools were determined, and the effects of THMs’ on human health. Physicochemical parameters (alkalinity, pH, temperature, and hardness), chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), and dibromochloromethane (DBCM) were studied. As a result of the study, total THMs and TCM concentrations were high in pools where tap water, and sodium hypochlorite were used. BDCM and DBCM concentrations were high in pools where groundwater was used. High THM concentrations increase the risk, and at the same time, women’s ingestion-based risk values are slightly higher than men’s ingestion-based risk values. Graphical Abstract