Alternative Water Disinfection Schemes for Reduced Trihalomethane Formation. Volume 2. Algae as Precursors for Trihalomethanes in Chlorinated Drinking Water

摘要

This study investigated three species of algae, Anabaena cylindrica, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Pediastrum boryanum, with respect to their potential for the formation of THM when chlorinated. Algae were cultured and the cells (algal biomass) were separated from the extracellular products (ECP) at several times along the normal growth curves for each species in order to separately study their contribution as THM precursor material. Correlation of the growth period of the algae and THM production was observed. THMs were produced from both the ECP and the isolated algal cells of all three species when dosed with chlorine. The significance of these findings suggest that reduction of THM may be partially accomplished by observation and/or control of the natural phytoplankton communities in the water source for domestic water supplies.