Modeling of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water supplies: a case study of eastern part of India.

This study aimed at developing a model for predicting the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water supplies. Monitoring of THMs in five major water treatment plants situated in the Eastern part of India revealed high concentration of THMs (231-484 μg l(-1)). Chloroform was predominant, contributing 87-98.9% to total THMs. Seasonal variation in THMs levels dictated that the concentration were higher in autumn than other seasons. Linear regression analysis of data indicated that TOC is the major organic precursors for THMs formation followed by DOC and UV254. Linear and non-linear predictive models were developed using SPSS software version 16.0. Validation results indicated that there is no significant difference in the predictive and observed values of THMs. Linear model performed better than non-linear one in terms of percentage prediction errors. The model developed were site specific and the predictive capabilities in the distribution systems vary with different environmental conditions.