The formation of carbonaceous disinfection byproducts (C-DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), in disinfected drinking waters has been the focus of DBP control efforts since their discovery in the 1970s. More recently, researchers have assessed the formation and control of nitrogenous DBPs, as toxicological evidence has revealed many of these compounds, in particular N-nitrosamines, are more toxic than regulated THMs and HAAs. While the occurrence of the seven N-nitrosamine species in EPA Method 521 (EPA7N) has been assessed in drinking water systems, recent data suggest these species may constitute only a small fraction of the total N-nitrosamine pool. This presentation will focus on assessing precursors of N-nitrosamines as a class of compounds in chloraminated waters, assessed by a chemiluminescence-based total N-nitrosamine (TONO) assay and LC-MS/MS for the EPA7N species. The results of this study may provide a new perspective on the potential sources of N-nitrosamine precursors, and may help water utilities identify strategies to curb N-nitrosamine formation in choraminated drinking waters.

Assessing sources of total N-nitrosamine precursors in drinking water systems

248th National Meeting (2014)

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