OBJECTIVESince haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are nonvolatile and of high carcinogenic risk, are common species of chlorinated disinfection by-products(DBPs) in drinking water, and little has been known in China, it is necessary to make a survey about the kinds and levels of HAAs in drinking water of the nation.

METHODHAAs were analyzed using gas chromatography with electron capture detector(GC/ECD) and relatively complex pretreatment process of sample was applied. Five main cities in different areas of China were chosen in the survey.

RESULTSStudies showed that the main species of HAAs in drinking water in China were DCAA and TCAA, ranging from 0.4 microg/L to 12.85 microg/L and from 0.56 microg/L to 10.98 microg/L, respectively. MBAA and DBAA were also detected in one city, ranging from 2.20 microg/L to 4.95 microg/L and 1.10 microg/L to 2.81 microg/L, respectively. Therefore, the contents of HAAs varied, usually no more than 25 microg/L. Based on the acquired data to date, it is known that the concentrations of HAAs in drinking water in China were surely under the limits of Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water Quality (China, 2001).

CONCLUSIONA wider survey of HAAs in drinking water should be conducted throughout the nation to get adequate data and information, the ultimate aim of which is to control HAAs pollution and keep the balance between microbiological safety insurance and chemical risk control, minimize the formation of DBPs and ensure the safety of water supply at the same time.