Trihalomethanes

Similar term(s): THMs.

A class of organic compounds, based on the methane molecule (CH₄) where the hydrogen atoms normally present are replaced by three halogen atoms (chlorine, bromine, fluorine and/or iodine). Examples include chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

Source: GreenFacts

An important and predominant group of chlorinated drinking water byproducts, trihalomethanes can occur as a result of the reaction between natural organic matter in the water and chlorine added as a disinfectant. The term 'Total Trihalomethanes' (TTHM) describes four disinfection by products, chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform that may be sampled in a water sample.

Natural organic matter - Water disinfection by-product(s)

GreenFacts Summary on Water Disinfectants & disinfectant by-products:

• 1.2 How are disinfectant by-products formed?

Español: Trihalometanos
Français: Trihalométhanes

Water Disinfectants

Chlorine Sodium Hypochlorite