Bromine exists in sea water and is actually used in water treatment as a disinfectant for pools and cooling towers. Its use in drinking water is not recommended.

As ethylene bromide it is used as a gasoline additive and as methyl bromide it is used as a soil fumigant.

Bromine is extremely corrosive and it produces burning and irritation to the skin. Bromine is also used in pesticides and in the pharmaceuticals industry. It is from these uses that it becomes a water contaminant.

Water Treatment: Bromide is removed handily by reverse osmosis. Removal rate is around 95%. It is also removed by activated carbon, ultrafiltration, and dialysis.