N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a new disinfection byproduct
(DBP) issue, and a particularly important one,
because it affects chloramination, one of the principle
means water utilities have for addressing other DBPs. This article
shows how cationic polymers, widely used for coagulation, are
also a source of trace levels of NDMA, which is formed when
water treated with the polymer is chloraminated. The authors
undertook this study because of elevated and variable levels of
NDMA measured in a large distribution system. No previous
similar cases were reported, and a comprehensive study was
conducted to determine the sources of NDMA.
This is a new field of investigations and will likely result in
more studies and eventually the establishment of guidelines for
application of organic polymers in drinking water. Water utilities
can use the information in this article to minimize NDMA formation
in chloraminated water systems that use cationic organic
polymers to aid coagulation. The findings may also lead to more
stringent treatment of filter backwash recycle streams. Includes 24 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 95 - No. 9 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 840 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 13 |
| Published : | 09/01/2003 |
