Sustained public health protection also via haloacetic acids monitoring

Haloacetic acids present in drinking water originate from chlorinated disinfection interacting with organic matter and bromide ions. We delve into the tangled web of these pollutants and monitor levels of five key elements: mono-, di-, trichloroacetic acid, and mono- and dibromoacetic acid. Our research reveals not only the numbers, but also their impact on human health, from skin reactions to oncological diseases. European Union legislation sets a maximum concentration of 60 μg/l, which governs our study in the vibrant Bratislava region, where almost three quarters of a million inhabitants live in four dynamic districts: Bratislava, Pezinok, Malacky and Senec.

This study provides data from a comprehensive analysis of 281 samples from 2019 to 2024. We examine more than just numbers. Our findings reveal not only overall disinfection methods, but also shed light on the unique presence of each haloacetic acid (as the analyte of interest) over time. Our results, visualized through tables and graphs, paint a vivid picture of water quality dynamics.