Research Article
Spatio-temporal Evolution of Trihalomethanes in the Waters of the Senegal River Delta
Ahmed Dame Mboup*,
Alassane Thiam,
Amadou Babacar Sarr
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 1, February 2026
Pages:
1-7
Received:
2 December 2025
Accepted:
18 December 2025
Published:
16 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.wros.20261501.11
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Abstract: The objectives of this study are to analyze trihalomethanes (THMs) and their origins in treated wastewater from the Senegal River Delta, the main source of water supply for local populations. THMs are by-products of water chlorination, formed mainly by the reaction of chlorine with natural organic substances present in the water. They are potentially carcinogenic, toxic to the liver and kidneys, and cause skin and eye irritation. To carry out this study, two in-situ sampling campaigns of treated water were conducted to measure pH, turbidity (NTU), and total trihalomethanes. The first sampling was carried out on December 22, 2023 (just after the rainy season) at the Rawette, Ronkh, and Ross Bethio sites, while the second was carried out on May 21, 2025, at the Pont Mboubène, Kassak, and Mboundoum sites. For the first campaign, three (03) tap water samples were taken, one (01) per site, and for the second campaign, three (03) samples were taken, one (01) per site. The six samples were packaged in 500 mL polyethylene bottles and then transported in a cooler to the Sen'Eau laboratory at the KMS3 plant in Louga for physical and chemical analysis (pH, turbidity, and THM). The results obtained during the first campaign show values of 3.86 NTU for the Ross Bethio site and 1.88 NTU for the Rawette site, which do not comply with the SEQ-EAU 2003 standard (1 NTU), and 0.81 NTU for the Ronkh site. For the second campaign, the turbidity values for the Boundoum and Pont Mboubène sites comply with the above standard (Boundoum 0.86 NTU and Mboubène 0.92 NTU), except for the Kassak site, which does not comply with the standard with a value of 3 NTU. For total THMs, the Ronkh and Ross Bethio sites showed minimum concentrations of 0 and 4µg/L, respectively, and a maximum concentration of 16µg/L for the first sampling and laboratory analysis campaign. For the second campaign, the minimum concentrations (0µg/L) were recorded at the Kassak and Mboubène sites, compared to a maximum concentration of 15µg/L recorded at the Boundoum site. Based on this spatial and temporal variation in total THMs analyzed in the drinking water supply networks at the study sites during the two seasons, the SEQ-EAU 2003 standard (75µg/L) is met. However, the presence of THMs at certain sites could be avoided by completely removing organic matter before distribution.
Abstract: The objectives of this study are to analyze trihalomethanes (THMs) and their origins in treated wastewater from the Senegal River Delta, the main source of water supply for local populations. THMs are by-products of water chlorination, formed mainly by the reaction of chlorine with natural organic substances present in the water. They are potential...
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