Abstract:
Objective To determine the distribution characteristics of trihalomethanes (THMs) in different water samples from swimming pools in Tongren city, China and to analyze the correlation between environmental factors and THMs.
Methods A total of 174 water samples were collected from 28 swimming pools in Tongren city during the peak swimming season in 2024 for THM monitoring. The samples were analyzed using purge and trap-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships between THMs and environmental factors.
Results THMs were detected in all water samples (detection rate: 100%), with trichloromethane (TCM) being the predominant component. The proportions of TCM in tap water, footbath pools, male showers, female showers, deep-water areas, and shallow-water areas were 78.2%, 75.3%, 76.1%, 75.8%, 43.8%, and 44.9%, respectively. The qualified rates of environmental factors were below 40% for water temperature, pH, and free chlorine residual (FCR), while relative humidity exhibited a higher qualified rate (93.2%). Significant positive correlations were observed between FCR and THMs (rs=0.48, P < 0.01) and between FCR and TCM (rs=0.53, P < 0.01), whereas pH showed significant negative correlations with THMs (rs=0.50, P < 0.01) and TCM (rs=0.38, P < 0.05).
Conclusion The detection rate of THMs in different water samples from swimming pools in Tongren city is relatively high, with TCM being the main detected substance, which is a key indicator for the risk management of disinfection by-products. The environmental factor FCR positively regulates the generation of THMs, while pH has the opposite effect. The exposure risk of THMs in the swimming pool water in karst areas can be reduced by optimizing disinfection processes and water quality monitoring systems.