(Collaborators: D. Reckhow, UMASS, Amherst)

Nitrogenous disinfection by-products (N-DBPs) are emerging disinfection byproducts that may be present in source waters from upstream, industrial or wastewater discharge and as by-products of water treatment plant (WTP). N-DBPs such as nitrosamines are formed by the reaction of nitrite with certain organic nitrogen-containing compounds; however, the exact environments and processes leading to nitrosamine formation are still not well understood. These toxic by-products are formed from the reaction of precursors within the treatment plant or distribution system. These precursors to nitrosamine formation are ubiquitous in many drinking water sources in Rhode Island or can actually be formed in distribution systems thus making these supplies particularly susceptible to nitrosamine formation. To date, no systematic studies have considered the potential for the formation of N-DBPs and the relationship of nitrosamine formation to disinfection. The proposed study will assess the occurrence of nitrosamines in source waters of RI and will determine how water quality and treatment characteristics influence the occurrence and formation of N-DBPs in a   laboratory setting.

The information obtained in this study will be used to propose strategies to minimize exposure such as improvising treatment, changing source water, or perhaps instituting waste and agricultural management practices that minimize inorganic and organic nitrogen discharges to potential drinking water supplies.