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N-nitrosodimethylamine and trihalomethane formation and minimisation in Southeast Queensland drinking water

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Abstract

This study assesses the prevalence of disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors in some Southeast Queensland drinking water sources by conducting formation potential experiments for the four regulated trihalomethanes (THMs), and the potent carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA formation potentials were consistently low (<5–21 ng/L), and total THM (tTHM) formation potentials were consistently below the Australian Drinking Water Guideline (250 μg/L). NDMA concentration of finished drinking waters was also monitored and found to be <5 ng/L in all cases. The effect of coagulation and advanced oxidation on the formation of NDMA and THMs is also reported. UV/H2O2 pre-treatment was effective in producing water with very low THMs concentrations, and UV irradiation was an effective method for NDMA degradation. H2O2 was not required for the observed NDMA degradation to occur. Coagulation using alum, ferric chloride or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) was ineffective in removing DBPs precursors from the source water studied, irrespective of the low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) attained. Rather, coagulation with polyDADMAC caused an increase in NDMA formation potential upon chloramination, and all coagulants led to an increased tTHM formation potential upon chlorination due to the high bromide concentration of the source water studied.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Urban Water Security Research Alliance for research funding and support. Griffith University and the Smart Water Research Centre are also acknowledged. Further thanks go to Neil Holling, Vince Alberts and Gary Prove from Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services for analytical services and SEQwater for assistance with access to sampling sites and technical advice. Thanks are also due to ‘Cherie’ Yin Lam Ng from Hong Kong City University for laboratory assistance and Wasa Wickramasinghe and Ross Sadler for technical advice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Smart Water Research Centre, Griffith University, Southport, 4215, Queensland, Australia

    Nicole Knight, Kalinda Watson & Glen Shaw

  2. Advanced Water Management Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Queensland, Australia

    Maria José Farré

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  1. Nicole Knight
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  2. Kalinda Watson
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  3. Maria José Farré
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  4. Glen Shaw
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Correspondence to Nicole Knight.

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Knight, N., Watson, K., Farré, M.J. et al. N-nitrosodimethylamine and trihalomethane formation and minimisation in Southeast Queensland drinking water. Environ Monit Assess 184, 4207–4222 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2256-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-011-2256-7

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