Determining the leading sources of N-nitrosamines and dissolved organic matter in four reservoirs in Southern China

The presence of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in freshwater is a significant concern from the perspective of public health and drinking water treatment plant operation. This study investigated the N-nitrosamines concentration and their precursors' distributions, and DOM composition in four reservoirs located in a southern city of China. A total of 22 renowned precursors were identified. Precursors from industrial and pharmaceutical origins were found to be dominant in all reservoirs; however, traces of pesticide-based precursors, i.e. pirimicarb and cycluron were also found. The distribution of nine N-nitrosamines was substantially different among the reservoirs. N-Nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA), N-Nitrosopiperidine (NPIP), N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N-Nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) were abundantly present in all reservoirs. Most of N-nitrosamines except NDMA and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) were far below the generally accepted cancer risk of 10(-6), and NDMA/NDEA were found dose to the risk level (10(-6)). Anthropogenic DOM was dominant in three reservoirs as depicted by a higher biological index (BIX) than the humification index (HIX). By the principle component analysis, BIX appeared as an indicator of N-nitrosamines (except NDEA and NPIP). A strong and direct relationship was observed between the NDMA-formation potential (FP) and concentration of total N-nitrosamines (Sigma NA), and BIX. These results confirmed that the anthropogenic activities were the leading source of DOM and N-nitrosamines in this city based on land-use. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study investigated the presence of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in four reservoirs in a southern Chinese city. It found that industrial and pharmaceutical-origin precursors dominated the N-nitrosamines distribution, with traces of pesticide-based precursors also present. The distribution of N-nitrosamines varied among the reservoirs, with certain compounds found abundantly in all reservoirs. Additionally, anthropogenic activities were identified as the primary source of DOM and N-nitrosamines in the city based on land-use analysis.