Unlocked disinfection by-product formation potential upon exposure of swimming pool water to additional stimulants

Abstract

• Swimming pool water was studied for DBPs upon exposure to additional stimulants.

• DBP formation could be induced by residual chlorine and extended incubation.

• Urine led to a massive formation of chloroform with additional stimulants.

• Reactions between chlorine and anthropogenic organics were slow and long-lasting.

• Urine control and air ventilation should be on the priority list for pool management.

Anthropogenic organics are known to be responsible for the formation of harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) in swimming pool water (SPW). The research explored an important scenario of SPW with no additional anthropogenic organic input. With stimulations by residual chlorine or additional chlorine and extended incubation, the formation of DBPs, especially chloroform, was significantly induced. Similar observations were found by investigating synthetic SPW made with sweat and urine. The presence of urine led to a massive formation of chloroform, as noted by an approximate 19-fold increase after 165-day incubation with a shock chlorine dose. The research suggests that consistent residual chlorine and long water retention as two typical features of SPW could unlock the DBP formation potential of anthropogenic organics. Thus, limiting the introduction of anthropogenic organics may not have an immediate effect on reducing DBP levels, because their reactions with chlorine can be slow and long-lasting. Pool management should prioritize on control of urine and improving air ventilation. This work is useful to deepen understandings about DBP formation in SPW and provide implications for pool management and prospective legislation.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Trihalomethanes / Haloacetic acids / Chloroform / Residual chlorine / Anthropogenic organics / Swimming pool water

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