Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2017RI129B

Occurrence and formation of N-DBPs in source waters of Rhode Island

Institute: Rhode Island
Year Established: 2017 Start Date: 2017-03-01 End Date: 2018-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $20,746 Total Non-Federal Funds: $48,367

Principal Investigators: Soni Pradhanang, Tom Boving, David Reckhow

Abstract: Nitrogenous disinfection byproducts (N-DBPs) are emerging pollutants that may be present in natural source waters or industrial or wastewater discharge as well as byproducts of water treatment plant (WTP). N-DBPs, such as nitrosamines are formed by reaction of nitrite with organic nitrogen containing precursors within the treatment plant or distribution system; however the exact environments and processes leading to nitrosamine formation are still not well understood. 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 N-DBPs formation. To date, no systematic studies have considered potential for formation of N-DBPs and the relationship of nitrosamine formation to disinfection. The proposed study will assess the occurrence of nitrosamines in RI source waters 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 N-DBPs exposure, such as improved treatment, changes in source water selection, or perhaps instituting waste and agricultural management practices that minimize inorganic and organic nitrogen discharges to potential drinking water supplies.