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This research investigated the source of naturalorganic compounds that serve as precursors to disinfectionbyproduct formation. Samples taken from a midwesternreservoir showed that inputs from tributarystreams accounted for 80% of precursors leading tothe formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and thatinternal processes generated the remaining 20%. Thehighest THM formation potential (THMFP) was foundin samples collected below the thermocline, suggestingthat decomposition of sedimenting organic matterenhanced precursor production.Study findings have implications for waterproviders managing thermally stratified reservoirs inagricultural landscapes. Because THMFP was largelyfound to be associated with the dissolved fraction,filtration to remove particulates would have littleinfluence on precursor concentrations. Hypolimneticwithdrawals as a means of mitigating THMFP arenot recommended because of deepwater THM concentrationsarising from the production of precursorsthrough microbial decomposition of natural organicmatter. Implementation of best management practicesin order to mitigate nutrient loading likelywould diminish the formation potential of THMsby reducing algal abundance in tributaries and othersource waters. Includes 27 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. 99 - No. 5 Published: 05/01/2007 Number of Pages: 136 File Size: 1 file , 330 KB