Comparison of the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) from algae organic matter by chlor(am)ination and UV irradiation

Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa, blue-green algae) blooms frequently in drinking water reservoirs and subsequently causes the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) after disinfection, which may pose a potential health risk. In this study, the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was evaluated from algal organic matter (AOM) including extracellular organic matter (EOM) and intracellular organic matter (IOM) during the disinfection process of chlorination, chloramination, or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The effects of a variety of factors, including reaction times, disinfectant dosages and pH, on the NDMA formation by three different disinfection methods were investigated. Additionally, this study evaluated the nitrogen sources involved in NDMA formation during chloramination of EOM and IOM using N-15-labeled monochloramine. The results showed that the NDMA formation by three different disinfection methods were ranked in the order of chlorination > UV irradiation asymptotic to chloramination and the specific yield from EOM was greater than that from IOM regardless of disinfection method. The yields of NDMA firstly increased and then plateaued as time prolonged during the chlorination and chloramination of AOM. Similarly, the NDMA formation from EOM was firstly increased and then remained constant with the increase of the disinfectant dosage, while it was gradually increased for IOM. The solution pH highly influenced the NDMA formation during chlorination and chloramination, while exhibited a little impact under UV irradiation. Moreover, fluorescence excitation-emission (EEM) analysis confirmed that soluble microbial by-product-like (SMPs) in EOM and IOM were the major precursors in algal-derived organic matter that contributed to the NDMA formation. Chloramination of EOM and IOM using isotope N-15-labeled monochloramine indicated that the nitroso group of the formed NDMA originates mainly from EOM and IOM of algal cells.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) from different types of algal organic matter (AOM) during disinfection processes and investigates the factors influencing NDMA formation. The results reveal that NDMA formation is influenced by disinfection method, reaction time, disinfectant dosage, and pH. Additionally, the study confirms that soluble microbial by-product-like substances in AOM are the main precursors contributing to NDMA formation.