Bromate problem in waters

Abstract

Inroduction. Water which is essential for the existance and sustainability of life, should be healthy, safe and not have risk for human health. As a public health measure, treatment, disinfection etc processes are applied to the water presented to the human consumption in order to make it safe. Chlorine, Chlorine dioxide, Chloramine and Ozone are the most well-known disinfectants used for the disinfection of water. Each of the commonly used disinfectants has its advantages and disadvantages. In the use of ozone for disinfection, compounds such as bromate, bromoform and brominated acetic acids can be formed as by-products. Bromate causes some adverse effects on lungs, kidneys, central nervous system, and also Bromate has carcinogenicity risk. Aim of the study. In this review the contamination of waters with bromate, its detection in waters and effects on health were examined. Material and Method. The monitoring of Bromate for water intended for human consumption, natural spring and natural mineral waters are performed in Public Health Institution of Turkey within the framework of the By-law on water intended for human consumption and By-law on natural mineral waters. Results.Conclusion. The compliance of Bromate level to the determined limit values have a great importance from public health point of view both in drinking-using waters, spring and natural mineral waters. The identification of Bromate in natural spring and natural mineral waters especially where ozone enriched air is not used, is the greatest evidence showing that the production company is not behaving properly according to the legislation provisions.