Abstract
The transformation of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in the drinking water treatment plants could be closely associated with nitrogenous disinfection by-product (N-DBP) formation. In this study, we have assessed the molecular transformation of DON and its impact on N-DBP formation in a full scale drinking water treatment plant. Based on the result of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) analysis, DON compounds with low molecular weight (<1 kDa) were classified as CHON, CHON2 and CHON3 according to the number of nitrogen atoms. Via the analytical window of van Krevelen diagrams, we found that the molecular structural features of CHON, CHON2 and CHON3 were not altered before the chlorination process. In detail, the CHON2 and CHON3 compositions were concentrated on the regions assigned to a lignin-structure while CHON compositions were also distributed in other compounds including proteins, carbohydrates and tannin. Furthermore, CHON formation was more difficult to be removed before the V-filter process. For N-DBP, chlorine-containing DON (Cl-DON) composition was likely to be removed through flocculation and sedimentation processes, whereas N-nitrosamine compounds were removed in V-filter and biological activated carbon filter processes. The health risks of aromatic structure N-nitrosamines due to the pre-chlorination of the raw water should be further studied.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
