From trihalomethanes chronic daily intake through multiple exposure routes to cancer and non-cancer health risk assessment: Evidence from public Portuguese indoor swimming pools facilities using a probabilistic approach

Analysis of THM formation potential in drinking water networks: Effects of network age, health risks, and seasonal variations in northwest of Iran

Various factors influence the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. Therefore, it is crucial to study the formation of DBPs and identify the associated influencing agents in water distribution networks (WDNs) to effectively prevent and control the health risks posed by DBPs. This research aimed to examine THM concentrations in the WDNs of Maragheh, Iran, focusing on seasonal variations. It also compared THM levels between new and old WDNs and assessed the health risks associated with exposure to THMs through various exposure routes. The mean concentrations of Chloroform, BDCM, DBCM, and Bromoform were 44.28 ± 18.25, 12.66 ± 5.19, 3.16 ± 0.89, and 0.302 ± 0.89 μg/L, respectively. Therefore, Chloroform was the predominant compound among the THM species, accounting for over 72 % of the total THMs (TTHMs). The average TTHMs concentration in summer (69.89 μg/L) was significantly higher than in winter (50.97 μg/L) (p < 0.05). Except for Bromoform, concentrations of other THM species in the new WDNs were considerably lower than in the old WDN (p < 0.05). The mean lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) rates for oral and dermal exposure routes to THMs were negligible and within acceptable risk levels. However, the LTCR mean values for inhalation exposure routes to THMs in winter and summer were within low (1 × 10-6 ≤ LTCR <5.1 × 10-5) and high acceptable risk levels (5.1 × 10-5 ≤ LTCR <10-4), respectively. Inhalation exposure presented the highest cancer risk among the various exposure routes. The hazard index values for oral and dermal contact with THMs were less than 1. Finally, sensitivity analysis revealed that the ingestion rate and exposure duration of THMs had the most significant positive effect on chronic daily intake (CDI) values and cancer risk. However, further comprehensive investigations are needed to develop effective solutions for reducing and controlling the precursors of DBP formation, as well as identifying suitable alternative disinfection compounds that minimize by-product formation.

Advances and research needs for disinfection byproducts control strategies in swimming pools

The control of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in swimming pools is of great significance due to the non-negligible toxicity and widespread existence of DBPs. However, the management of DBPs remains challenging as the removal and regulation of DBPs is a multifactorial phenomenon in pools. This study summarized recent studies on the removal and regulation of DBPs, and further proposed some research needs. Specifically, the removal of DBPs was divided into the direct removal of the generated DBPs and the indirect removal by inhibiting DBP formation. Inhibiting DBP formation seems to be the more effective and economically practical strategy, which can be achieved mainly by reducing precursors, improving disinfection technology, and optimizing water quality parameters. Alternative disinfection technologies to chlorine disinfection have attracted increasing attention, while their applicability in pools requires further investigation. The regulation of DBPs was discussed in terms of improving the standards on DBPs and their preccursors. The development of online monitoring technology for DBPs is essential for implementing the standard. Overall, this study makes a significant contribution to the control of DBPs in pool water by updating the latest research advances and providing detailed perspectives.