RESULTS OF BROMIDE AND BROMATE MONITORING AT SEVERAL WATER-TREATMENT PLANTS

The ozonation of water is a widely used technology within the water industry. Recent toxicological studies have shown that high bromate ion intake induces a high incidence of tumors in rats. Bromate ion formation from oxidation of water containing bromide ion was examined at nine treatment plants and one pilot. We found bromate ion (> 2 mu g/L) in drinking water containing bromide ion when treated with ozone at pH greater than 7.0, even in the presence of ammonia. Bromate ion formation increased with the applied ozone dose. But bromate ion must be considered also as a byproduct of commercial sodium hypochlorite solutions. Under commercial conditions, chlorine dioxide and granular activated carbon had no effects on bromate levels.