NDMA formation kinetics from three pharmaceuticals in four water matrices

N, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an emerging disinfection by-product (DBP) that has been widely detected in many drinking water systems and commonly associated with the chloramine disinfection process. Some amine-based pharmaceuticals have been demonstrated to form NDMA during chloramination, but studies regarding the reaction kinetics are largely lacking. This study investigates the NDMA formation kinetics from ranitidine, chlorphenamine, and doxylamine under practical chloramine disinfection conditions. The formation profile was monitored in both lab-grade water and real water matrices, and a statistical model is proposed to describe and predict the NDMA formation from selected pharmaceuticals in various water matrices. The results indicate the significant impact of water matrix components and reaction time on the NDMA formation from selected pharmaceuticals, and provide fresh insights on the estimation of ultimate NDMA formation potential from pharmaceutical precursors.

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► NDMA formation kinetics from three pharmaceuticals determined in four matrices.
► A three-phase NDMA formation profile observed for all the pharmaceuticals.
► Matrix components inhibited the initial contact with chloramine.
► Matrix components had less impact on the ultimate NDMA molar conversion.
► The proposed kinetic model accurately predicted the kinetic behavior.