Formation of trihalomethanes as disinfection byproducts in herbal spa pools

Abstract

Herbal spa treatments are favorite recreational activities throughout the world. The water in spas is often disinfected to control pathogenic microorganisms and guarantee hygiene. However, chlorinated water may cause the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Although there have been many studies on DBP formation in swimming pools, the role of organic matter derived from herbal medicines applied in herbal spa water has been largely neglected. Accordingly, the present study investigated the effect of herbal medicines on the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in simulated herbal spa water. Water samples were collected from a spa pool, and then, disinfection and herbal addition experiments were performed in a laboratory. The results showed that the organic molecules introduced by the herbal medicines are significant precursors to the formation of THMs in spa pool water. Since at least 50% of THMs were produced within the first six hours of the reaction time, the presence of herbal medicines in spa water could present a parallel route for THM exposure. Therefore, despite the undeniable benefits of herbal spas, the effect of applied herbs on DBP formation in chlorinated water should be considered to improve the water quality and health benefits of spa facilities.

Systematic and data-driven literature review of the energy and indoor environmental performance of swimming facilities

“…• Numerous disinfection by-products (Richardson et al, 2010;Weaver et al, 2009), • Occurrence and human consequences (Shaw, 1986;Benoit & Jackson, 1987;Kim et al, 2002;Righi et al, 2014;Lévesque et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 2015;Chowdhury, 2016;Nitter et al, 2018;Gabriel et al, 2019;Nitter & Svendsen, 2019a), • Formation of DBP (Jmaiff Blackstock et al, 2017;Kim et al, 2017;Fakour & Lo, 2018), • The impact of water treatment (Weng et al, 2012;Hansen et al, 2012;Weng et al, 2013;Spiliotopoulou et al, 2015;Nitter & Svendsen, 2019b), • Impact on the users and the user's uptake (Chu et al, 2013;Fernández-Luna et al, 2013;Font-Ribera et al, 2016;Hang et al, 2016;Parrat et al, 2012;Xiao et al, 2012).…”

Experimental Research on Residual Chlorine Removal from Stormwater

“…Combined chlorine exists as monochloramine, dichloramine, nitrogen trichloride, etc. Chlorine and chlorine compounds influence formation of harmful secondary products which pose risks to aquatic environment [22][23][24][25][26]. Studies present impact of residual chlorine on various water microorganism remain up to 14 days and even low concentration of chlorine with continuous impact could affect water ecosystems.…”