A scientist teamed up with a researcher to measure the amount of pee in pools by detecting artificial sweeteners, which are primarily excreted through urine. They collected samples from community pools and a friend's backyard pool, and then used a liquid chromatography system and a mass spectrometer to analyze the samples.
The results showed that the average concentration of artificial sweetener in public pools was 470 nanograms per liter, while the hot tubs had a higher concentration of 2,247. The friend's backyard pool had a lower concentration of 69 nanograms per liter, which translates to less than a gallon of pee.
The researcher also found that the classic "pool smell" is caused by trichloramine, a byproduct of pee reacting with chlorine. This can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems. However, the scientist notes that pee itself is generally sterile and not a significant health risk.
A simple equation was developed to estimate the amount of pee in a pool, which involves multiplying the average number of swimmers per day by 1.2. The results suggest that public pools can contain around 13 gallons of pee, while Olympic pools can contain over 130 gallons.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The experiment aimed to determine how much pee is in a pool by measuring the amount of artificial sweetener in the water.
2. Artificial sweeteners, such as acesulfame potassium, are not broken down by the human body and are excreted in urine.
3. Acesulfame potassium is commonly used in zero-calorie food products.
4. More than 99% of acesulfame potassium is excreted in urine within 24 hours.
5. The artificial sweetener can be detected in pool water using a liquid chromatography system and a mass spectrometer.
6. The experiment involved collecting samples from a community pool, a backyard pool, and a spa.
7. The samples were analyzed for the presence of acesulfame potassium.
8. The amount of pee in the pool was estimated based on the concentration of acesulfame potassium.
9. The average concentration of acesulfame potassium in public swimming pools was 470 nanograms per liter.
10. The average concentration of acesulfame potassium in public hot tubs was 2,247 nanograms per liter.
11. Chlorine in pools reacts with urine to create a byproduct called trichloramine.
12. Trichloramine is responsible for the characteristic "pool smell".
13. Trichloramine can cause eye irritation and respiratory problems.
14. Studies have shown that asthma is more likely to occur among elite swimmers than other high-level athletes.
15. A simple equation was developed to estimate the amount of pee in a pool based on the number of swimmers.
16. The equation multiplies the average number of swimmers per day by 1.2 to estimate the number of gallons of pee in the pool.
17. Public pools about the size of an Olympic pool contain approximately 13 gallons of pee.
18. Olympic pools contain over 130 gallons of pee.
19. Pee is generally considered sterile and free from bacteria and living things.
20. Urine is made up of 95% water and 5% dissolved solids.