Dynamic real-time monitoring of chloroform in an indoor swimming pool air using open-path Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract

This study used open-path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy to continuously assess the variation in chloroform concentrations in the air of an indoor swimming pool. Variables affecting the concentrations of chloroform in air were also monitored. The results showed that chloroform concentrations in air varied significantly during the time of operation of the swimming pool and that there were two peaks in chloroform concentration during the time of operation of the pool. The highest concentration was at 17:30, which is coincident with the time with the highest number of swimmers in the pool in a day. The swimmer load was one of the most important factors influencing the chloroform concentration in the air. When the number of swimmers surpassed 40, the concentrations of chloroform were on average 4.4 times higher than the concentration measured without swimmers in the pool. According to the results of this study, we suggest that those who swim regularly should avoid times with highest number of swimmers, in order to decrease the risk of exposure to high concentrations of chloroform. It is also recommended that an automatic mechanical ventilation system is installed to increase the ventilation rate during times of high swimmer load.

An analytical method for the analysis of trihalomethanes in ambient air using solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry: An application to indoor swimming pool complexes

“…Based on the observations in Figure , of all the variables tested, desorption temperature appeared to have the greatest influence on the repeatability of the analysis, and so, 190°C was chosen as the desorption temperature to ensure maximum repeatability and operational longevity. While only one other SPME method for the analysis of THMs in air has been reported, a method which uses a slightly higher optimum desorption temperature of 200°C, the selected desorption temperature for the developed method (190°C) is comparable to injector temperatures reported for other techniques, 150‐220°C …”

“…While only one other SPME method for the analysis of THMs in air has been reported, a method which uses a slightly higher optimum desorption temperature of 200°C, 35 the selected desorption temperature for the developed method (190°C) is comparable to injector temperatures reported for other techniques, 150-220°C. 4,43,44 Desorption times of 2-10 minutes were investigated. Although similar response ratios were observed for TBM over all desorption times, an increase in desorption time led to an increase in response ratios for the other THMs ( Figure 2F).…”

“…Trihalomethanes (THMs), particularly the chloro‐, bromo‐, and mixed bromochloro‐trihalogenated species, are a commonly reported class of disinfection by‐product (DBP) in swimming pool waters, although iodinated THMs have also been reported . THMs are a volatile class of DBP and, as such, can partition from the water into the ambient air of swimming pool complexes, where concentrations have been shown to increase with water agitation either by swimmers or by water jets . Many studies have reported the occurrence of THMs in the air above swimming pool and spa waters, and THMs have also been reported in passageways, offices/reception areas, café areas, plant/engine rooms, and change rooms in pool complexes …”

“…Furthermore, sample collection performed over extended periods of time (eg, up to several hours; Table S1) produces responses that represent an average over the collection period, rather than those at one specific point in time. The averaging of concentration responses can lead to less accurate results, particularly when calculating risk factors, as swimmers may be exposed to higher than these average concentrations during their swim session, particularly as THM concentrations in pool air have been shown to be highly variable over short periods . Due to the uncertainty surrounding the health effects of volatile organic compounds, for example, THMs, in swimming pool air, rapid analytical methods allowing point‐in‐time quantification to provide more representative results are essential to fully understand the relationship between THMs in swimming pool air and associated health risks.…”

“…The averaging of concentration responses can lead to less accurate results, particularly when calculating risk factors, as swimmers may be exposed to higher than these average concentrations during their swim session, particularly as THM concentrations in pool air have been shown to be highly variable over short periods. 4 Due to the uncertainty surrounding the…”