Occurrence and fate of nitrosamines and their precursors in municipal sludge and anaerobic digestion systems

N-nitrosamines in electroplating and printing/dyeing industrial wastewater treatment plants: Removal efficiency, environmental emission, and the influence on drinking water

The discharge of industrial wastewater containing high concentrations of N-nitrosamines to the aquatic environment can impair downstream source waters and pose potential risks to human health. However, the transport and fate of N-nitrosamines in typical industrial wastewater treatment plants (IWWTPs) and the influence of these effluents on source water and drinking water are still unclear. This study investigated nine N-nitrosamines in four full-scale electroplating (E-) and printing/dyeing (PD-) IWWTPs, two drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) in the lower reaches of these IWWTPs, and the corresponding tap water in South China. The total concentrations of N-nitrosamines (∑NAs) were 382-10,600, 480-1920, 494-789, and 27.9-427 ng/L in influents, effluents, source water, and tap water, respectively. The compositions of N-nitrosamine species in different influents varied a lot, while N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine (NDBA) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) dominated in most of the effluents, source water, and tap water. More than 70 % N-nitrosamines were removed by wastewater treatment processes used in E-IWWTPs such as ferric-carbon micro-electrolysis (Fe/C-ME), while only about 50 % of N-nitrosamines were removed in PD-IWWTPs due to the use of chlorine reagent or other inefficient conventional processes such as flocculation by cationic amine-based polymers or bio-contact oxidation. Therefore, the mass fluxes of N-nitrosamines discharged from these industrial wastewaters to the environment in the selected two industrial towns were up to 14,700 mg/day. The results based on correlation and principal component analysis significantly demonstrated correlations between E-and PD-effluents and source water and tap water, suggesting that these effluents can serve as sources of N-nitrosamines to local drinking water systems. This study suggests that N-nitrosamines are prevalent in typical IWWTPs, which may infect drinking water systems. The findings of this study provide a basis data for the scientific evaluation of environmental processes of N-nitrosamines.

Role of Carbonyl Compounds for N-Nitrosamine Formation during Nitrosation: Kinetics and Mechanisms

N-Nitrosamines are potential human carcinogens frequently detected in natural and engineered aquatic systems. This study sheds light on the role of carbonyl compounds in the formation of N-nitrosamines by nitrosation of five secondary amines via different pathways. The results showed that compared to a control system, the presence of formaldehyde enhances the formation of N-nitrosamines by a factor of 5-152 at pH 7, depending on the structure of the secondary amines. Acetaldehyde showed a slight enhancement effect on N-nitrosamine formation, while acetone and benzaldehyde did not promote nitrosation reactions. For neutral and basic conditions, the iminium ion was the dominant intermediate for N-nitrosamine formation, while carbinolamine became the major contributor under acidic conditions. Negative free energy changes (<-19 kcal mol-1) and relatively low activation energies (<18 kcal mol-1) of the reactions of secondary amines with N2O3, iminium ions with nitrite and carbinolamines with N2O3 from quantum chemical computations further support the proposed reaction pathways. This highlights the roles of the iminium ion and carbinolamine in the formation of N-nitrosamines during nitrosation in the presence of carbonyl compounds, especially in the context of industrial wastewater.

Characterization of nitrosamines and nitrosamine precursors as non-point source pollutants during heavy rainfall events in an urban water environment

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) and their specific precursors (N,N-dimethylformamide [DMF] for NDMA and morpholine [MOR] for NMOR) were widely identified in runoff of urban area around the southern Lake Biwa basin, Japan. It was thought that this runoff might constitute a non-point source of the four compounds in rivers and sewage treatment plants (STPs) during heavy rainfall events. We investigated the spatiotemporal patterns of NDMA, NMOR, DMF and MOR in runoff and rivers in rainy days. NDMA and NMOR were detected in concentrations of up to 295 ng/L, while DMF and MOR were detected in concentrations of up to 33.7 µg/L. Continuous sequential sampling over periods of 24 or 48 h at the largest STP in the study area revealed that the four compounds in the primary effluent (PE) each had higher mass fluxes during heavy rainfall events than on dry days. This phenomenon might be contributed to non-point sources (e.g., runoff) from infiltration/inflow related to rainwater into sanitary sewers. Moreover, the four compounds were confirmed to have higher mass fluxes in the final effluent of the STP during periods of PE bypass (1.3-1.7 times for NDMA, NMOR, and MOR; over 200 times for DMF; on average) than that on dry days because of increasing inflow during heavy rain than during periods without PE bypass in dry weather.

Contribution of N,N-dimethylformamide to formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine by chloramination in sewage treatment plants and receiving rivers

The contribution of specific precursors to N-nitrosodimethylamine formation potential (NDMA FP) upon chloramination depends not only on their NDMA molar yields but also on their concentrations in the actual environment. We investigated the seasonal and diurnal patterns of the NDMA precursor N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and NDMA FP in the Yodo River basin, Japan, by examining water samples taken from inside the basin's largest sewage treatment plant (STP) as well as samples from five final effluents from four STPs, two main stream sites, and two tributary sites in the same basin. DMF and NDMA FP were found to be high in influent (raw sewage), and were found to be mostly removed during the STP treatment processes (especially with biological treatment). Nevertheless, DMF was found in concentrations of 0.06 to 31.7 µg/L in chlorinated effluents and in receiving rivers, while NDMA FP was detected in concentrations of 3.57 to 306 ng/L. Thus, STPs were shown to be an important source of DMF and NDMA FP to rivers. A strong positive correlation between NDMA FP and DMF was confirmed in the receiving river (K-M), indicating that DMF was an important NDMA precursor in the Yodo River basin. The contribution of DMF to NDMA FP was 15.8±11.2% (n = 4) in summer and 82.1±10.2% (n = 4) in winter in the main stream (site K-M) of the river due to insufficient dilution of chlorinated effluents from the largest STP. From the viewpoint of NDMA and NDMA FP control at downstream sites, monitoring and control of DMF at upstream sites are important.

Oxidation of betrixaban to yield N-nitrosodimethylamine by water disinfectants

Degradation of betrixaban, an oral anticoagulant recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential were studied mechanistically in the presence of monochloramine (NH₂Cl), free chlorine, and ozone. Upon monochloramination, the formation of NDMA exceeded 1% at basic pH and was significant at circumneutral pH as well. The kinetic studies revealed that the reaction between betrixaban and monochloramine followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics. Increasing monochloramine concentration, its reaction time, and pH all significantly enhanced the NDMA formation yield, which also increased three-fold in the presence of bromide during monochloraminantion. The presence of nitrite inhibited the formation of NDMA under the same conditions. This study revealed a new potent and significant precursor of NDMA, indicating that monochloramination of waters containing betrixaban can lead to the formation of NDMA and other disinfection by-products such as dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) and dimethylformamide (DMF). Moreover, chlorination of betrixaban by hypochlorite also yielded NDMA, albeit at two orders of magnitude lower yield than chloramination, while no NDMA formation was observed from ozonation of betrixaban.

Occurrence of N-Nitrosamines in the Pearl River delta of China: Characterization and evaluation of different sources

N-nitrosamines in water have drawn significant concerns for the health of water consumers due to their carcinogenic properties. N-nitrosamines are formed during disinfection of wastewater as well as different industrial and agricultural processes. This study characterized the N-nitrosamines compositions in eleven different wastewaters in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in Southeast China, and the spatial distributions and the abundances of N-nitrosamines in the Pearl River water were detected. The results indicated that five N-nitrosamines species, including N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) and N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) were found in the industrial wastewater samples in the PRD. Remarkably high concentrations of NDMA (up to 4000 ng/L) were found in the wastewaters from the textile printing and dyeing as well as the electroplating, whereas NDMA, NDEA and NMOR were detected in the domestic wastewaters at concentrations lower than 15 ng/L. Moreover, we found that certain treatment processes for the electroplating wastewater could form a significant amount of NDMA, NPYR and NMOR. Analyses of the Pearl River water samples showed occurrences of different N-nitrosamines species, including NDMA (5.7 ng/L), NDEA (1.7 ng/L), NPYR (2.2 ng/L), NMOR (2.2 ng/L) and NDBA (4.9 ng/L). The abundances of N-nitrosamines species varied spatially due to the inputs from the different sources. Thus, our study provides unique and valuable information for occurrences, abundances and source characteristics of N-nitrosamines in the PRD.

Orbitrap molecular fingerprint of dissolved organic matter in natural waters and its relationship with NDMA formation potential

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a disinfection byproduct that has been classified as probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency. According to the published literature, natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) can be a source of NDMA precursors in drinking water. New advances in chemical characterization of DOM with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) are allowing researchers to understand these ultra-complex mixtures. The objective of this study is to investigate analytical methodologies based on HRMS to explore NDMA formation from natural waters. To this aim, different waters from drinking water reservoirs in Spain containing NDMA precursors (quantified by means of NDMA formation potential) in concentrations between 17 and 60 ng/L have been studied. The workflow includes DOM solid-phase extraction and Orbitrap analysis with and without chromatographic separation. Here, we show that the molecular composition of DOM across the studied drinking water reservoirs is correlated with the NDMA formation potential. In particular, we found that NDMA formation potential is associated with compounds with high hydrogen saturation (H/C ≥ 1.5), corresponding also to reservoirs with higher background nutrient concentrations and wastewater indicators. Further chromatographic fractionation did not allow better definition of these possible precursors as they were present in different fractions of the chromatogram, suggesting that they were isomerically complex.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and its precursors in water and wastewater: A review on formation and removal

This review summarizes major findings over the last decade related to N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in water and wastewater. In particular, the review is focused on the removal of NDMA and of its precursors by conventional and advanced water and wastewater treatment processes. New information regarding formation mechanisms and precursors are discussed as well. NDMA precursors are generally of anthropogenic origin and their main source in water have been recognized to be wastewater discharges. Chloramination is the most common process that results in formation of NDMA during water and wastewater treatment. However, ozonation of wastewater or highly contaminated surface water can also generate significant levels of NDMA. Thus, NDMA formation control and remediation has become of increasing interest, particularly during treatment of wastewater-impacted water and during potable reuse application. NDMA formation has also been associated with the use of quaternary amine-based coagulants and anion exchange resins. UV photolysis with UV fluence far higher than typical disinfection doses is generally considered the most efficient technology for NDMA mitigation. However, recent studies on the optimization of biological processes offer a potentially lower-energy solution. Options for NDMA control include attenuation of precursor materials through physical removal, biological treatment, and/or deactivation by application of oxidants. Nevertheless, NDMA precursor identification and removal can be challenging and additional research and optimization is needed. As municipal wastewater becomes increasingly used as a source water for drinking, NDMA formation and mitigation strategies will become increasingly more important. The following review provides a summary of the most recent information available.

Ordered mesoporous carbon as sorbent for the extraction of N-nitrosamines in wastewater and swimming pool water

The analysis and determination of N-nitrosamines (NAs) in water samples are challenging and demanding. In this study, a simple, reliable, and practical methodology is reported for the quantitative determination by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electron impact ionization (EI) and triple quadrupole analyzer (GC-EI-MS/MS) of eight NAs after micro-solid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) from wastewater and swimming pool water. Thirty milligram of an ordered mesoporous carbonaceous material, oxidative surface-modified CMK-3, enclosed within a porous polypropylene membrane bag, were used as sorbent for μ-SPE. A central composite design approach was applied to optimize the μ-SPE parameters. An isotopically-labeled NA was used as internal standard. Under the optimized conditions, μ-SPE-GC-EI-MS/MS was validated for an NA concentration range of between 0.1-100ng/mL. The precision of the method was evaluated and an average relative standard deviation of 4.8% (n=8) for a standard solution spiked at 50ng/mL of each NA was obtained. The limits of detection were measured to be in the range of 0.005-0.283ng/mL. Domestic wastewater and swimming pool water samples were used to evaluate the applicability of the method. NAs were detected in swimming pool water and wastewater at concentrations of <2ng/mL and 11ng/mL, respectively.

Anaerobic biodegradation of (emerging) organic contaminants in the aquatic environment

Although strictly anaerobic conditions prevail in several environmental compartments, up to now, biodegradation studies with emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, have mainly focused on aerobic conditions. One of the reasons probably is the assumption that the aerobic degradation is more energetically favorable than degradation under strictly anaerobic conditions. Certain aerobically recalcitrant contaminants, however, are biodegraded under strictly anaerobic conditions and little is known about the organisms and enzymatic processes involved in their degradation. This review provides a comprehensive survey of characteristic anaerobic biotransformation reactions for a variety of well-studied, structurally rather simple contaminants (SMOCs) bearing one or a few different functional groups/structural moieties. Furthermore it summarizes anaerobic degradation studies of more complex contaminants with several functional groups (CMCs), in soil, sediment and wastewater treatment. While strictly anaerobic conditions are able to promote the transformation of several aerobically persistent contaminants, the variety of observed reactions is limited, with reductive dehalogenations and the cleavage of ether bonds being the most prevalent. Thus, it becomes clear that the transferability of degradation mechanisms deduced from culture studies of SMOCs to predict the degradation of CMCs, such as EOCs, in environmental matrices is hampered due the more complex chemical structure bearing different functional groups, different environmental conditions (e.g. matrix, redox, pH), the microbial community (e.g. adaptation, competition) and the low concentrations typical for EOCs.

A comprehensive survey on the occurrence and fate of nitrosamines in sewage treatment plants and water environment

A comprehensive examination of nitrosamines was conducted in a water system, which included sewage treatment plants (STPs), river water, and seawater to understand their characteristic occurrence and fates in whole real water system. The concentrations of nitrosamines were highest in the STP influent (1440-29,100ng/L), followed by the river water (26.0-5180ng/L), the STP effluent (9.58-310ng/L), and seawater (44.2-155ng/L). The samples were especially affected by proximity to the industrial zone and the samples collected near industrial complex had much higher levels than others with different distribution patterns. In the STPs, nitrosamines were mostly eliminated during biological treatment processes (86.7-95.0%), while they were formed through chlorination processes (-59.6 to -27.7%), which is consistent with previous surveys. The primary clarifier showed insignificant elimination tendencies (5.6-28.2%). Although removal by ultraviolet light was effective (73.2-94.1%), more surveys may be needed because of conflicting results in other studies. Among water quality parameters, nitrosamines in waste water were linked with organic carbon and nitrogen levels.

Oxidative degradation of N-Nitrosopyrrolidine by the ozone/UV process: Kinetics and pathways

N-Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) is an emerging contaminant in drinking water and wastewater. The degradation kinetics and mechanisms of NPYR degradation by the O3/UV process were investigated and compared with those of UV direct photolysis and ozonation. A synergistic effect of ozone and UV was observed in the degradation of NPYR due to the accelerated production of OH• by ozone photolysis. This effect was more pronounced at higher ozone dosages. The second-order rate constants of NPYR reacting with OH• and ozone was determined to be 1.38 (± 0.05) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) and 0.31 (± 0.02) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The quantum yield by direct UV photolysis was 0.3 (± 0.01). An empirical model using Rct (the ratio of the exposure of OH• to that of ozone) was established for NPYR degradation in treated drinking water and showed that the contributions of direct UV photolysis and OH• oxidation on NPYR degradation were both significant. As the reaction proceeded, the contribution by OH• became less important due to the exhausting of ozone. Nitrate was the major product in the O3/UV process by two possible pathways. One is through the cleavage of nitroso group to form NO• followed by hydrolysis, and the other is the oxidation of the intermediates of amines by ozonation.

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential of amine-based water treatment polymers: Effects of in situ chloramination, breakpoint chlorination, and pre-oxidation

Recent studies show that cationic amine-based water treatment polymers may be important precursors that contribute to formation of the probable human carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during water treatment and disinfection. To better understand how water treatment parameters affect NDMA formation from the polymers, the effects of in situ chloramination, breakpoint chlorination, and pre-oxidation on the NDMA formation from the polymers were investigated. NDMA formation potential (NDMA-FP) as well as dimethylamine (DMA) residual concentration were measured from poly(epichlorohydrin dimethylamine) (polyamine) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) solutions upon reactions with oxidants including free chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and monochloramine under different treatment conditions. The results supported that dichloramine (NHCl2) formation was the critical factor affecting NDMA formation from the polymers during in situ chloramination. The highest NDMA formation from the polymers occurred near the breakpoint of chlorination. Polymer chain breakdown and transformation of the released DMA and other intermediates were important factors affecting NDMA formation from the polymers in pre-oxidation followed by post-chloramination. Pre-oxidation generally reduced NDMA-FP of the polymers; however, the treatments involving pre-ozonation increased polyDADMAC's NDMA-FP and DMA release. The strategies for reducing NDMA formation from the polymers may include the avoidance of the conditions favorable to NHCl2 formation and the avoidance of polymer exposure to strong oxidants such as ozone.

N-nitrosodimethylamine formation upon ozonation and identification of precursors source in a municipal wastewater treatment plant

Ozone doses normalized to the dissolved organic carbon concentration were applied to the primary influent, primary effluent, and secondary effluent of a wastewater treatment plant producing water destined for potable reuse. Results showed the most N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) production from primary effluent, and the recycle streams entering the primary clarifiers were identified as the main source of NDMA precursors. The degradation of aminomethylated polyacrylamide (Mannich) polymer used for sludge treatment was a significant cause of precursor occurrence. A strong correlation between NDMA formation and ammonia concentration was found suggesting an important role of ammonia oxidation on NDMA production. During ozonation tests in DI water using dimethylamine (DMA) as model precursor, the NDMA yield significantly increased in the presence of ammonia and bromide due to the formation of hydroxylamine and brominated nitrogenous oxidants. In addition, NDMA formation during ozonation of dimethylformamide (DMF), the other model precursor used in this study, occurred only in the presence of ammonia, and it was attributable to the oxidation of DMF by hydroxyl radicals. Filtered wastewater samples (0.7 μm) produced more NDMA than unfiltered samples, suggesting that ozone reacted with dissolved precursors and supporting the hypothesis of polymer degradation. Particularly, the total suspended solids content similarly affected NDMA formation and the UV absorbance decrease during ozonation due to the different ozone demand created in filtered and unfiltered samples.

Ultratrace-level determination of N-Nitrosodimethylamine, N-Nitrosodiethylamine, and N-Nitrosomorpholine in waters by solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

N-nitrosamines are a new class of emerging nitrogenous drinking water disinfection by-products. These compounds are probably carcinogenic which could seriously affect the safety of drinking water consumers. The aim of this study is to develop a simple, fast, and specific analytical method for the routine determination of low part per trillion levels of N-nitrosamines in waters. An ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of N-nitrosamines in waters. N-nitrosamines were extracted, purified and concentrated from water samples in one step using a solid-phase extraction (SPE). The compounds were detected in multiple reaction monitoring via electrospray ionisation source with positive ionisation mode. To achieve symmetrical peak shapes and a short chromatographic analysis time, the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, water and formic acid (60:40:0.1, v/v/v) was used in the experiment. Chromatographic separation of N-nitrosamines was done in less than two minutes. All calibration curves had good linearity (r2≥ 0.9989). The intra- and inter-day precision of the assay ranged from 0.59% to 3.11% and accuracy ranged from 99.66% to 104.1%. The mean recoveries of N-nitrosamines in spiked water were 98%-101%. The reproducability was acceptable with relative standard deviations of less than 3.53%. The proposed method yielded detection limits very low which ranges from 0.04 to 0.16 ng L−1. Finally, the developed analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of N-nitrosamines in natural water sample

Detection and occurrence of N-nitrosamines in archived biosolids from the targeted national sewage sludge survey of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The occurrence of eight carcinogenic N-nitrosamines in biosolids from 74 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the contiguous United States was investigated. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, seven nitrosamines [(N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosodibutylamine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (NDPhA)] were detected with varying detection frequency (DF) in 88% of the biosolids samples (n = 80), with five of the seven being reported here for the first time in biosolids. While rarely detected (DF 3%), NDMA was the most abundant compound at an average concentration of 504 ± 417 ng/g dry weight of biosolids. The most frequently detected nitrosamine was NDPhA (0.7-147 ng/g) with a DF of 79%, followed by NDPA (7-505 ng/g) and NPIP (51-1185 ng/g) at 21% and 11%, respectively. The DF of nitrosamines in biosolids was positively correlated with their respective n-octanol-water partition coefficients (R(2) = 0.65). The DF and sum of mean concentrations of nitrosamines in biosolids increased with the treatment capacity of WWTPs. Given their frequent occurrence in nationally representative samples and the amount of U.S. biosolids being applied on land as soil amendment, this study warrants more research into the occurrence and fate of nitrosamines in biosolids-amended soils in the context of crop and drinking water safety.

Formation and toxicity of brominated disinfection byproducts during chlorination and chloramination of water: a review

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water exhibit considerable adverse health effects; recent focus is on the brominated disinfection byproducts (Br-DBPs). The chlorination and chloramination of bromide ion containing water produce reactive bromo species, which subsequently react with natural organic matter (NOM) to yield Br-DBPs. The possible reactions involved in generating DBPs are presented. Identified Br-DBPs include bromomethanes, bromoacetic acid, bromoacetamides, bromoacetonitriles, and bromophenols. Mixed chloro- and bromo-species have also been identified. Pathways of the formation of Br-DBPs have been described. The concentration of Br- ion, pH, reaction time, and the presence of Cu(II) influence the yield of DBPs. The effects of water conditions on the production of Br-DBPs are presented. The epidemiological studies to understand the potential toxic effects of DBPs including Br-DBPs are summarized. Brominated DBPs may have higher health risks than their corresponding chlorinated DBPs. A potential role of an emerging alternate disinfectant, ferrate (FeV)O(2-)4), in minimizing DBPs is briefly discussed.

Degradation of typical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursors and its formation potential in anoxic-aerobic (AO) activated sludge system

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an emerging disinfection byproduct. Removal of its potential precursors is considered as an effective method to control NDMA. In this study, four typical NDMA precursors (dimethylamine (DMA), trimethylamine (TMA), dimethylformamide (DMFA) and dimethylaminobenzene (DMAB)) were selected, and their removal capacities by activated sludge were investigated. Batch experiments indicated that removal of NDMA precursors was better under aerobic condition than anoxic condition; and their specific degradation rates follow the order of DMA > TMA > DMFA > DMAB. In anoxic-aerobic (AO) activated sludge system, the optimal hydraulic retention time and sludge retention time were 10 h and 20 d, respectively, for the removal of both NDMA precursors (four selected NDMA precursors and NDMA formation potential (NDMA FP)) and nutrients. Our results also suggested that there was a positive correlation between NDMA FP and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in wastewater. The removal efficiency of NDMA FP was in the range of 46.8-72.5% in the four surveyed wastewater treatment plants except the one which adopted chemically enhanced primary process. The results revealed that the AO system had the advantage of removing NDMA FP. Our results are helpful for the knowledge of the removals of NDMA precursors during activated sludge treatment processes.

Formation of N-nitrosamines by chloramination or ozonation of amines listed in Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs)

We determined whether or not the chloramination or ozonation of amines and hydrazines listed in Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) results in the formation of N-nitrosamines when reacted in secondary wastewater effluent. We selected 12 primary, 2 secondary, 2 tertiary amines and 3 hydrazines from the PRTRs of Japan, the USA, and Korea. In this study, based on the assumption that there is a production of N-nitrosamines by not only the original selected amines and hydrazines but also the intermediate products in case of chloramination and ozonation, it was examined whether precursors were identified by selected amines and hydrazines based on the gap of the N-nitrosamines formation potential between day 0 and day 10 rather than analyzing the contribution depending on the concentration of selected amines and hydrazines. Many of the primary amines (notably 2,6-xylidine) and all of the secondary and tertiary amines produced N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) by chloramination. Furthermore, the primary amines 2,6-xylidine, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), 4-aminoazobenzene, p-chloroaniline, and p-cresidine produced more NDMA than did the secondary amines. The secondary amines produced mainly NDMA. Ozonation produced NDMA only from the hydrazine 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, and at a higher concentration than by chloramination. We identified 2,6-xylidine, 3,3'-dimethylbenzidine, 4,4'-methylenebis(2-chloroaniline), 4-aminoazobenzene, p-chloroaniline, p-cresidine, 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, diethylamine, 4,4'-methylenebis(N,N-dimethyl)benzenamine, and chinomethionat as warranting further study.

Comparison of microwave assisted, ultrasonic assisted and Soxhlet extractions of N-nitrosamines and aromatic amines in sewage sludge, soils and sediments

This paper describes a cost-effective and sensitive method for the gas chromatographic determination of 10 aliphatic and aromatic N-nitrosamines and 14 aromatic amines (including aniline, several chloroanilines and 2-nitroaniline) in various soil matrices, after microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with continuous solid-phase extraction. A systematic comparison of MAE with ultrasonic assisted and Soxhlet extraction alternatives showed that MAE provided the highest extraction efficiency (94-96%) with the shortest extraction time (3 min). The method developed provides a linear response throughout the concentration range 0.1-150 ng g(-1) and features low limits of detection (0.03-0.35 ng g(-1)) and good precision. The method was successfully applied to study the occurrence of the analytes in sewage sludge, agricultural soils, and river and pond sediments. Aniline and chloroanilines were the amines most frequently detected (0.4-5.4 ng g(-1)), whereas N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine and N-nitrosomorpholine were only found in two of the urban sewage sludge samples analyzed (0.4-1.6 ng g(-1)).

Determination of N-nitrosamines and nicotine in air particulate matter samples by pressurised liquid extraction and gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry

N-nitrosamines are potentially hazardous pollutants, classified as probable carcinogenic and mutagenic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this paper, the presence of these pollutants was studied in air samples taken at different locations of Tarragona (urban and harbour). As a result, a reliable method has been developed for determining N-nitrosamines and nicotine based on pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) and gas chromatography-(chemical ionisation) ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-(CI)MS/MS). The chromatographic analysis enables the determination of these compounds in less than 13 min with total separation and good resolution between the compounds. Recovery values were higher than 80% for most of the compounds and the repeatability of the method was under 18% (5 ng m(-3), %RSD, n=4). MDLs were between 0.1 ng m(-3) (NMor and NPip) and 2 ng m(-3) (NMEA). NMor, NPyr, NPip and nicotine were the most frequent compounds in urban and harbour samples at concentration levels between 0.3 ng m(-3) (NPyr) and 12.5 ng m(-3) (nicotine) and between 0.13 ng m(-3) (NPyr) and 3.8 ng m(-3) (nicotine), respectively.

Differential microbial transformation of nitrosamines by an inducible propane monooxygenase

The toxicity of N-nitrosamines, their presence in drinking and environmental water supplies, and poorly understood recalcitrance collectively necessitate a better understanding of their potential for bioattenuation. Here, we show that the bacterial strain Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 can biotransform N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA), N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), and possibly N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) in addition to N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Growth of cells on propane as the sole carbon source greatly enhanced degradation rates when contrasted with cells grown on complex organics. Propane-induced rates in order of fastest to slowest were NDMA > NDEA > NDPA > NPYR > NMOR at concentrations <2000 μg/L. Removal rates for linear functional groups scaled inversely with mass and cyclic nitrosamines were more recalcitrant than linear nitrosamines. Controls demonstrated significant NDEA and NDPA losses independent of biomass, suggesting abiotic processes may play a role in attenuation of these two compounds under experimental conditions tested here. In contrast to NDMA, a transition from first to zero order kinetics was not observed for the other nitrosamines included in this study over a concentration range of 20-2000 μg/L. A genetic knockout for the propane monooxygenase enzyme (PrMO) confirmed the role of this enzyme in the biotransformation of NDEA and NPYR. This study furthers our understanding of environmental nitrosamine attenuation by revealing an enzymatic mechanism for the biotransformation of multiple nitrosamines, their relative recalcitrance to transformation, and potential for abiotic loss.

The Influence of Phosphate Buffer on the Formation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine from Dimethylamine Nitrosation

Buffer solutions were widely used for almost all the investigations concerning N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a member of powerful mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds which are ubiquitous in the environment. However, whether or how the buffer matrixes influence NDMA formation is still unknown. The effect of buffer solutions on NDMA formation from the nitrosation of dimethylamine (DMA) by nitrite (NaNO2) was investigated at pH 6.4 in four kinds of buffer solutions, that is, Na2HPO4/C6H8O7, Na3(C6H5O7)/C6H8O7, NaH2PO4/NaOH, and NaH2PO4/Na2HPO4. Our observations demonstrate an unexpected inhibitory effect of the buffer solutions on NDMA formation and the phosphate buffer plays a more significant role in inhibiting NDMA formation compared to the citrate buffer. Moreover, the amount of the phosphate in the buffer was also found to greatly impact the formation of NDMA. A further investigation indicates that it is the interaction between NaH2PO4and reactant NaNO2rather than DMA that leads to the inhibitory effect of phosphate buffer during the DMA nitrosation reaction. This study expands the understanding of the influence of buffer solution on nitrosamines formation through the nitrosation pathway and further gives a hint for water plants to reduce the formation of nitrosamines.

Factors affecting ultraviolet irradiation/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) degradation of mixed N-nitrosamines in water

Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are a great challenge to our drinking water security. Particularly, nitrosamines (NAms), as emerging DBPs, are potently carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic, and have increasingly attained public attention. This study was to evaluate the performance of the NAms degradation by the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (253.7 nm) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). In the UV/H(2)O(2) system, hydroxyl radicals (OH), a type of nonselective and powerful oxidant, was produced to attack the molecules of NAms. Factors affecting the treatment efficiency, including the H(2)O(2) dosage, initial NAms concentration, UV irradiation intensity, initial solution pH, and inorganic anions present in water, were evaluated. All the NAms degradation exhibited a pseudo-first-order kinetics pattern. Within 60 min, 0.1 mg/L of any NAms could be almost decomposed except NDPhA that required 120 min for complete removal, at 25 μmol/L H(2)O(2) and at initial pH 7. Results demonstrate that the UV/H(2)O(2) treatment is a viable option to control NAms in water.

Effect of UV and UV/H2O2 in the presence of chloramines on NDMA formation potential of tramadol

This study evaluates the effect of UV-C and UV-C/H(2)O(2) in the presence of chloramines on the N-nitrosodimethylamine formation potential (NDMA FP) of tramadol as a model precursor. The experiments were performed at high initial concentrations of TMDL (i.e., 20 mg/L) in order to elucidate the structures of TMDL byproducts. Twenty-four byproducts were identified in UV-C, UV-C/monochloramine, and UV/H(2)O(2)/monochloramine oxidation of tramadol using MS(3) capabilities of a hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer, combined with online hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments. Oxidative cleavage of methoxy and methoxybenzene moiety, O-demethylation, hydroxylation, and cyclohexane ring-opening were identified as major reaction mechanisms of tramadol in UV oxidation. Addition of monochloramine decreased the degradation rates of tramadol and its byproducts and yielded several monochlorinated derivatives. The oxidation rates were significantly enhanced in the presence of H(2)O(2), and byproducts of oxidative benzene ring-opening were detected. The majority of the identified byproducts are likely to have a higher NDMA FP than the parent compound due to a reduced steric hindrance and/or insertion of electron-donating hydroxyl groups in the N,N-dimethylamine side chain. This was confirmed by the results of NDMA FP tests, which showed that the formation of NDMA was enhanced up to four times depending on the process conditions in UV alone and in UV and UV/H(2)O(2) in the presence of monochloramine. Prolonged oxidation by hydroxyl radicals in UV/H(2)O(2)/monochloramine process mineralized some of the byproducts and slightly reduced the NDMA FP at the end of the treatment. The obtained degradation pathway of tramadol allowed the correlation of changes in NDMA FP during oxidation with its major oxidative transformation reactions. This manuscript demonstrates the significance of oxidation byproducts as NDMA precursors and emphasizes the need for their consideration when evaluating the evolution of NDMA FP during oxidative treatment.

Biotransformation of nitrosamines and precursor secondary amines under methanogenic conditions

The biotransformation potential of six nitrosamines and their precursor secondary amines by a mixed methanogenic culture was investigated. Among the six nitrosamines tested, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NMEA), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) were almost completely degraded but only when degradable electron donors were available. On the contrary, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), N-nitrosodipropylamine (NDPA), and N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) were not degraded. Three precursor secondary amines, corresponding to the three biodegradable nitrosamines, were also completely utilized even with very low levels of available electron donors. The secondary amine precursors of the three, nonbiodegradable nitrosamines were also recalcitrant. A bioassay conducted to elucidate the biotransformation pathway of NDMA in the mixed methanogenic culture using H(2) as the electron donor showed that NDMA was utilized as an electron acceptor and transformed to dimethylamine (DMA), which in turn was degraded to ammonia and methane. The H(2) threshold concentration for NDMA bioreduction ranged between 0.0017 and 0.031 atm. Such a high H(2) threshold concentration suggests that in mixed methanogenic cultures, NDMA reducers are weak competitors to other, H(2)-consuming microbial species, such as homoacetogens and methanogens. Thus, complete removal of nitrosamines in anaerobic digestion systems, where the H(2) partial pressure is typically below 10(-4) atm, is difficult to achieve.

N-nitrosamines formation from secondary amines by nitrogen fixation on the surface of activated carbon

Our previous study demonstrated that many commercial activated carbon (AC) particles may catalyze transformation of secondary amines to yield trace levels of N-nitrosamines under ambient aerobic conditions. Because of the widespread usage of AC materials in numerous analytical and environmental applications, it is imperative to understand the reaction mechanism responsible for formation of nitrosamine on the surface of ACs to minimize their occurrence in water treatment systems and during analytical methods employing ACs. The study results show that the AC-catalyzed nitrosamine formation requires both atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen. AC's surface reactive sites react with molecular oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS), which facilitate fixation of molecular nitrogen on the carbon surfaces to generate reactive nitrogen species (RNS) likely nitrous oxide and hydroxylamine that can react with adsorbed amines to form nitrosamines. AC's properties play a crucial role as more nitrosamine formation is associated with carbon surfaces with higher surface area, more surface defects, reduced surface properties, higher O(2) uptake capacity, and higher carbonyl group content. This study is a first of its kind on the nitrosamine formation mechanism involving nitrogen fixation on AC surfaces, and the information will be useful for minimization of nitrosamines in AC-based processes.

PolyDADMAC and dimethylamine as precursors of N-nitrosodimethylamine during ozonation: reaction kinetics and mechanisms

Interactions of ozone with organic precursors during water treatment may generate carcinogenic N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) byproduct. This study investigates the reaction mechanisms responsible for NDMA formation from ozonation of the commonly used poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) coagulant. Upon ozonation, polyDADMAC yields the highest amount of NDMA among several water treatment polymers, including polyamines and cationic polyacrylamides. Ozonation transforms polyDADMAC to dimethylamine (DMA) and NDMA formation is correlated to polyDADMAC degradation and DMA release. Hydroxyl radicals generated from ozone play an important role in the degradation of polyDADMAC's quaternary ammonium ring groups and subsequent release of secondary amine. Although nitrite and formaldehyde are detected as ozonation products of DMA and polyDADMAC, contribution of formaldehyde-enhanced nitrosation pathway is determined to be insignificant in NDMA formation. In contrast, reaction of hydroxylamine, another ozonation product of DMA, with DMA in the presence of ozone is deemed critical in the formation of NDMA during ozonation. The study results show that that contact of polyDADMAC with ozone will lead to release of the more potent NDMA precursor DMA but may not generate a significant amount of NDMA under typical drinking water treatment conditions due to low yield. The mechanistic understanding from this study can help develop source control strategies for minimization of NDMA formation risk at water and wastewater utilities.

Nitrosamines and water

This paper provides an overview of all current issues that are connected to the presence of nitrosamines in water technology. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is the most frequently detected member of this family. Nitrosamines became the hottest topic in drinking water science when they were identified as disinfection by-products (DBPs) in chloraminated waters. The danger that they pose to consumer health seems to be much higher than that from chlorinated DBPs. This review summarizes our contemporary knowledge of these compounds in water, their occurrence, and precursors of nitrosamines in drinking and wastewaters, in addition to attempts to remove nitrosamines from water. The paper also reviews our knowledge of the mechanisms of nitrosamine formation in water technology. The current, commonly accepted mechanism of NDMA formation during chloramination of drinking waters assumes that dichloramine reacts with dimethylamine, forms unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and further oxidizes to NDMA. The question to answer is which precursors are responsible for delivering the DMA moiety for the reaction since the presence of DMA in water cannot explain the quantities of NDMA that are formed. There are also reports that other oxidants that are commonly used in water technology may generate NDMA. However, the mechanisms of such transformations are unknown. Methods for the removal of nitrosamines from water are described briefly. However, the research that has been undertaken on such methods seems to be at an early stage of development. It is predicted that photolytic methods may have the greatest potential for technological application.

Unexpected role of activated carbon in promoting transformation of secondary amines to N-nitrosamines

Activated carbon (AC) is the most common solid phase extraction material used for analysis of nitrosamines in water. It is also widely used for the removal of organics in water treatment and as a catalyst or catalyst support in some industrial applications. In this study, it was discovered that AC materials can catalyze transformation of secondary amines to yield trace levels of N-nitrosamines under ambient aerobic conditions. All 11 commercial ACs tested in the study formed nitrosamines from secondary amines. Among the different ACs, the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) yield at pH 7.5 ranged from 0.001% to 0.01% of initial amount of aqueous dimethylamine (DMA) concentration, but at 0.05-0.29% of the amount of adsorbed DMA by AC. Nitrosamine yield increased with higher pH and for higher molecular weight secondary amines, probably because of increased adsorption of amines. Presence of oxygen was a critical factor in the transformation of secondary amines, since ACs with adsorbed secondary amines dried under air for longer period of time exhibited significantly higher nitrosamine yields. The AC-catalyzed nitrosamine formation was also observed in surface water and wastewater effluent samples. Properties of AC play an important role in the nitrosamine yields. Preliminary evaluation indicated that nitrosamine formation was higher on reduced than oxidized AC surfaces. Overall, the study results show that selecting ACs and reaction conditions are important to minimize analytical errors and undesirable formation associated with nitrosamines in water samples.

Oxidation of nitrogen-containing pollutants by novel ferrate(VI) technology: a review

Nitrogen-containing pollutants have been found in surface waters and industrial wastewaters due to their presence in pesticides, dyes, proteins, and humic substances. Treatment of these compounds by conventional oxidants produces disinfection by-products (DBP). Ferrate(VI) (Fe(VI)O(4)(2-), Fe(VI)) is a strong oxidizing agent and produces a non-toxic by-product Fe(III), which acts as a coagulant. Ferrate(VI) is also an efficient disinfectant and can inactivate chlorine resistant microorganisms. A novel ferrate(VI) technology can thus treat a wide range of pollutants and microorganisms in water and wastewater. The aim of this paper is to review the kinetics and products of the oxidation of nitrogen-containing inorganic (ammonia, hydroxylamine, hydrazine, and azide) and organic (amines, amino acids, anilines, sulfonamides, macrolides, and dyes) compounds by ferrate(VI) in order to demonstrate the feasibility of ferrate(VI) treatment of polluted waters of various origins. Several of the compounds can degraded in seconds to minutes by ferrate(VI) with the formation of non-hazardous products. The mechanism of oxidation involves either one-electron or two-electrons processes to yield oxidation products. Future research directions critical for the implementation of the ferrate(VI)-based technology for wastewater and industrial effluents treatment are recommended.