Introduction
This application note details how Anglian Water, a leading UK water company, implemented advanced real-time trihalomethane (THM) analysis technology to enhance its drinking water treatment processes. The adoption of the YSI THM analyzer has significantly improved the speed and efficiency of water quality monitoring, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards and safeguarding public health.
The Challenge of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)
Public drinking water is treated with disinfectants like chlorine to eliminate harmful organisms. However, this process can lead to the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are chemical compounds that, at certain levels, can pose a risk to human health. Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established guidelines for maximum permissible levels of THMs in drinking water.
Ensuring compliance with these standards requires rigorous monitoring. Traditionally, water companies relied on external laboratories for THM analysis, a process that could take days or weeks, hindering real-time process control and potentially leading to issues with disinfectant overuse or the consumption of water before results were available.
Anglian Water's Solution: Real-Time THM Analysis
In July 2015, Anglian Water strategically invested in an in-house THM sample monitoring and analysis system. The YSI THM analyzer offers a rapid, onsite solution capable of analyzing samples in under 30 minutes, without the need for reagents or sample preparation. This integrated purge-and-trap system, coupled with a gas chromatograph and sensitive detector, provides accurate real-time measurement of individual THM species and total THMs.
Mark Berry, Innovation Project Manager at Anglian Water, highlighted the benefits: "Using the THM analyzer we are now able to measure THM concentrations inhouse, and in less than 30 minutes. We are currently analyzing over 20 samples a week and have found the system to be very easy to use. Aside from the potential cost-saving benefits, the much faster analysis capabilities provide scope for further improvements in operational efficiency."
Features and Benefits of the YSI THM Analyzer
- Rapid Analysis: Provides results in 30 minutes.
- No Sample Preparation: Streamlines the analysis process.
- Ease of Use: Features an all-in-one sample purging, component separation, and data analysis system.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces laboratory analysis costs and allows for more efficient use of disinfectants.
- Accurate Results: Measures individual THM species and total THMs with high accuracy.
About Anglian Water
Anglian Water is the largest water and water recycling company in England and Wales, serving over six million domestic and business customers across a geographic area of 27,500 square kilometers. The company operates 1,257 water and water recycling plants, ensuring the delivery of approximately 1.2 billion liters of drinking water daily.
Contact Information
For more information about YSI Incorporated, please visit YSI.com/xylem-lab-solutions or contact them at info@ysi.com.
