1. Bujar H. Durmishi1*, Arianit A. Reka, Murtezan Ismaili, Agim Shabani
Seasonal Variation of the Concentration of Trihalomethanes in the Drinking Water in the City of Kumanova
Bujar H. Durmishi1*, Arianit A. Reka, Murtezan Ismaili, Agim Shabani
Skopje,
18 September 2015
Thank you dear chair

2. CONTENT INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHOD RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
CONCLUSION
Ladies and gentlemen I am conducting this presentation on behalf of Dr. Durimishi. with respect to the time limit the presentation is organized in the following topics,
First will discuss briefly on THMs what they are and what is the risk associated with their presence.
The origin of the sample points and method of determination is the next point.
Brief discussion of the results obtained during this research, And at the end a short conclusion.
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3. INTRODUCTION
To eliminate bacteria, viruses and microorganisms that can cause various diseases amongst humans and animals, drinking water is treated with chlorine or similar disinfectants.
During the disinfection process, the organic matter present in water reacts with chlorine and bromine which results in byproducts.
These are a group of compounds that are formed when chlorine reacts with broken down organic matter and vegetation. The main THM-s formed are chloroform CHCl3, dibromomethyl CHBr2, dibromochloromethane CHBr2Cl and bromoform CHBr3.
Just like in most countries, in Republic of Macedonia as well, chlorine is used as main disinfectant during the treatment process of water. This process however, results in by-products, especially with the presence of organic matter in water and their reaction with chlorine.
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4. INTRODUCTION
Byproducts are hazardous and impose hazardous cancerogenic concerns for the human health (depression of central nervous system, miscarriages, cardiac effects etc.)
Because of the negative health impact, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends that concentrations of THMs shall not exceed 100 µg / L in tap water.
Of particular importance is the study of the impact of various factors on the formation of THMs. Some of those factors are: pH, temperature, contact time, concentration of chlorides, natural organic matter, residual chlorine, bromide concentration etc..
THMs are carcinogenic to animals and humans.
Therefore in this research the seasonal variation of THMs is observed.
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5. Fig. 1. Likova dam - system I
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The city of Kumanova and the Likova municipality are supplied with water from the Likova dam, which is the oldest dam in the territory of the Republic of Macedonia.
Fig. 1. Likova dam - system I
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6. SAMPLE POINTS AND INSTRUMENTS
MATERIALS AND METHODS
SAMPLE POINTS AND INSTRUMENTS
Samples were collected from five sampling points of the city of Kumanova: K1 (Sinan Tatar Pasha Mosque), K2 (Fontana city center), K3 (Str. Dr. Ribar), K4 (Cafeteria Elib) and K5 (Str. Boris Kidriç).
Drinking water samples from five sampling points were analysed each week in the months March, April and May 2011 for the determination of THMs while using UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Ultrospec).
Reagents used: pentane, pyridine, 50% solution of NaOH, chloroform, bromoform and methanol
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7. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Table 1. Results of THM-s (µg/L) and statistics
Sample points / Month
March
April
May K1
21.150
31.280
43.260 K2
22.410
32.670
42.680 K3
25.320
36.520
47.830 K4
23.040
34.530
41.450 K5
22.630
29.380
45.260
Min
Max
Median
Average
22.910
32.876
44.096
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8. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Fig. 2. Seasonal variation of THMs in g/L
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9. CONCLUSION
We recommend that the relevant authorities take appropriate actions to prevent and keep the THMs concentrations within limits, especially in the hot summer months, as long term consumption can cause health problems.
We recommend that continuous monitoring of THMs is established in order to have a better picture of their impact on the health of the citizens in the region.
The THM values are higher during month of May, and their continuous monitoring is an imperative.
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10. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTION!