Identify Trihalomethanes (THMs) among the following:

(A) Chloroform

(B) Bromodichloromethane

(C) Dibromochloromethane

(D) Bromoform

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Introduction:

• Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a group of organic chemicals that form as disinfection by-products (DBPs) when chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water.
• They are produced when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring Natural Organic Matter (NOM) such as humic and fulvic acids present in surface water sources like rivers and lakes.
• Chemically, they are derivatives of methane ($$CH_4$$​) where three of the four hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms (Chlorine or Bromine).

Information Booster:

• Each of these compounds fits the general formula $$CHX_3$$(where X represents a halogen). In water treatment, these are the four most prevalent THMs, collectively referred to as Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs).