Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 16 (6): 814-821, 2013 ISSN 1990-9233 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.mejsr.2013.16.06.11734 Corresponding Author: Durmishi H. Bujar, Department of Chemistry, State University of Tetova, Ilindeni Street N.N., 1200 Tetova, Macedonia. 814 Variation of Trihalomethanes Concentration In Tetova's Drinking Water in the Autumn Season Durmishi H. Bujar, Daut Vezi, Murtezan Ismaili, Agim Shabani and Arianit A. Reka 1 2 3 1 1 Department of Chemistry, State University of Tetova, 1 Ilindeni Street N.N., 1200 Tetova, Macedonia Department of Chemistry, University of Tirana, Avenue “ZOG I”, Tirana, Albania 2 Insitute for Environment and Health, South East European University, 3 Ilindeni Street N.N., 1200 Tetova, Macedonia Abstract: The formation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs) in the process of water disinfection by chlorine has raised concerns in the scientific community as well as in the public opinion. This study aims to determine the concentration of THMs in Tetova's drinking water during the autumn season and compare it with the regulation in the Republic of Macedonia, the European Union and the World Health Organization. To this end, we have used the UV-VIS spectrophotometric method based on Fujiwara's reaction. The THMs concentration was measured in fifteen different locations in September, October and November 2011. The results indicate that the seasonal variation is below the critical values stipulated in the state, EU and WHO regulations (seasonal average 22.22 ± 12.06 µg/L). This study is the first of its kind on THMs in the Republic of Macedonia. In conclusion, it can be inferred that the concentration of THMs in the drinking water of Tetova is not hazardous to human health. Key words: Drinking water Health Trihalomethanes UV-VIS Spectrophotometry INTRODUCTION disinfectant in advance. The presence of THMs in the According to the World Health Organization (WHO), first time by Rook [4] in the City of Rotterdam, whereas more than a billion people in the world have no access Bellar et al. [5] reported five months later that THMs had to potable water and more than three billion have a lack been found in the drinking water in the US. of adequate hygiene [1], therefore a very careful Recently, the anxiety of healthcare authorities has management of the drinking water is needed. In this been increasing due to the presence of the THMs in the respect, the monitoring of chemical parameters in the drinking water, as a consequence of which harmful health determination of organic compounds in the drinking effects emerge in consumers due to the constant and water is very important, since these compounds are long-term exposal to the drinking water itself [6-8]. harmful to human health [2]. Of these, highly dangerous Waters that contain organic precursors (synthetic or are the disinfection byproducts (DBPs) whose main natural) are especially considered to be the main source subgroup are trihalomethanes (THMs) which have of THMs. In many cases, the humic substances soluble proved to be cancerous to people. Having this in in water are THM precursors; however, other organic consideration, the level of awareness of the public substances such as algae and their extracellular products opinion in relation to the quality of the drinking water, can be key precursors [9]. especially to the THMs has increased lately [3]. The scientific interest in THMs has increased since The reaction between chlorine and organic the cancerous features of THMs were recorded [10-11]. compounds present in the drinking water always Because of this, certain countries have set maximal limits produces THMs, when the former is used as a and guidelines when it comes to the THMs, which vary final stage of the drinking water was discovered for the