N-Nitrosamines are an emerging group of disinfection byproducts characterized by high carcinogenic risks at ng/L levels and by their frequent detection in water and wastewater treatment systems. Aliphatic amines, amine-based cationic polymers and dithiocarbamate compounds have all been identified as nitrosamine precursors commonly present in surface water and wastewater. The reaction kinetics and mechanisms of how nitrosamines are formed from oxidation of these precursors by water disinfection oxidants including ozone and chloramines have been investigated. In general, the reactions with ozone and chloramine oxidants cause degradation of the polymers and dithiocarbamates to release secondary amines, followed by further reactions of the secondary amines to form nitrosamines. The different reaction mechanisms and impact of environmental conditions involved in the above reactions will be discussed in this presentation. Results from this study will help develop source control strategies for minimization of nitrosamine formation risk in water supply and water reuse practices.

Formation of nitrosamines during ozonation and chloramination of organic precursors

241st National Meeting (2011)

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