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Occurrence and Sources of Bromate in Chlorinated Tap Drinking Water in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines

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Abstract

Significant levels of potentially carcinogenic bromate were measured in chlorinated tap drinking water in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines, using an optimized ion-chromatographic method. This method can quantify bromate in water down to 4.5 μg l−1 by employing a postcolumn reaction with acidic fuchsin and subsequent spectrophotometric detection. The concentration of bromate in tap drinking water samples collected from 21 locations in cities and municipalities within the 9-month study period ranged from 7 to 138 μg l−1. The average bromate concentration of all tap drinking water samples was 66 μg l−1 (n = 567), almost seven times greater than the current regulatory limit in the country. The levels of bromate in other water types were also determined to identify the sources of bromate found in the distribution lines and to further uncover contaminated sites. The concentration of bromate in water sourced from two rivers and two water treatment plants ranged from 15 to 80 and 12 to 101 μg l−1, respectively. Rainwater did not contribute bromate in rivers but decreased bromate level by dilution. Groundwater and wastewater samples showed bromate concentrations as high as 246 and 342 μg l−1, respectively. Bromate presence in tap drinking water can be linked to pollution in natural water bodies and the practice of using hypochlorite chemicals in addition to gaseous chlorine for water disinfection. This study established the levels, occurrence, and possible sources of bromate in local drinking water supplies.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Research and Development Division of the Environmental Management Bureau (Philippines) for the use of their laboratory facilities. H. C. Genuino gratefully acknowledges the Commission on Higher Education for the financial support of his master’s thesis. The cooperation of the MWSS and its two concessionaires, namely, MWSI and MWCI, is likewise appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Unit 3060, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA

    Homer C. Genuino

  2. Institute of Chemistry, College of Science, University of the Philippines, Diliman, 1101, Quezon City, Philippines

    Maria Pythias B. Espino

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  1. Homer C. Genuino
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  2. Maria Pythias B. Espino
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Correspondence to Maria Pythias B. Espino.

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Genuino, H.C., Espino, M.P.B. Occurrence and Sources of Bromate in Chlorinated Tap Drinking Water in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 62, 369–379 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-011-9707-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-011-9707-6

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