Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Generating Controlled, Dynamic Chemical Landscapes to Study Microbial Behavior
Published on: January 31, 2020
Species-specific interaction of trihalomethane (THM) precursors in a scaled-up distribution network using response
Sajida Rasheed1,2, Imran Hashmi2, Jong K Kim3
1a Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering , University College London , London , UK.
Abstract:
Response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) was used to monitor and optimize species-specific interaction of trihalomethane (THM) precursors in a scaled-up distribution network (DN). Independent variables such as applied chlorine (Cl2), contact time (t), humic acid (HA) and bromide ions (Br-) were analyzed using full factorial CCD. Analysis of variance revealed a good agreement between experimental data and proposed a two-factor interaction model (p = .04, R2 = 0.7983). As a precursor, Cl- and Br- interaction with HA affected THMs' speciation. These precursor molecules were perceived least significant as discrete elements but HA: Br- and pH product significantly impacted total trihalomethane (TTHM) formation (r = 0.998, p = .007). This mutual interactive fraction was observed pH-dependent and influenced TTHM yield. Dibromochloromethane and bromoform formation was observed pH-dependent provided sufficient Br- in the system. Applied chlorine had significant (p = .01), while time had insignificant (p = .75) effect. Multiple response optimization suggested pH range between 6.0 and 7.6 and HA: Br- ratio between 1.3 and 5.9 were satisfactory for maintaining TTHM below ≤80 μg/L in DN with 0.88 desirability function (D). Their respective concentration may be minimized by changing precursor's individual concentration and possible combinations.
More Related Videos
15:19Development of Sulfidogenic Sludge from Marine Sediments and Trichloroethylene Reduction in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor
Published on: October 15, 2015
13:16A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Response Surface Methodology
The process of RSM involves several key steps:
Halogenation of Alkenes
Consider the bromination of cyclopentene. Molecular bromine is polarized in the proximity of the π electrons of cyclopentene. An electrophilic bromine atom adds across the double bond, forming a cyclic bromonium ion intermediate.
Radical Substitution: Hydrogenolysis of Alkyl Halides with Tributyltin Hydride
The bonds formed in this reaction are stronger than the bonds broken, making it energetically favorable. The reaction follows a radical chain mechanism similar to radical halogenation reactions,...