TITLE:
The Effect of Trihalomethanes in Contaminating the Major Watersheds of Middle Tennessee
AUTHORS:
Sujata Guha, Paige Harlin, Ryan Beni
KEYWORDS:
Middle Tennessee, Watersheds, Trihalomethanes, Contaminants, Carcinogens
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Science,
Vol.11 No.7,
July
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: We have analyzed the contamination of the
three major watersheds in Middle Tennessee (Middle Cumberland River Watershed,
Stones River Watershed, and Harpeth River Watershed) by trihalomethanes, such
as chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. These
chemicals play an important role in the develop-ment of cancer and adverse
reproductive outcomes, and were found to be present above the threshold
established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certain portions of each
watershed were found to be contaminated by the trihalomethanes, and deemed
un-healthy. The household incomes in the major areas in the three watershed
regions were also examined to determine a possible relationship with the level
of water contamination. We concluded that income did not necessarily relate to
water quality. Specific areas within each watershed that had lower average
household incomes were found to have a higher concentration of the
trihalomethanes in their drinking water, while other high-income areas were
also affected by unhealthy water. However, these effects were random, and the
level of contamination remained below the guidelines regulated by the State of
Tennessee.