Full Description

N-nitroso-dimethylamine (NDMA) is a highly carcinogenic compound thatis principally associated with rocket fuel and has also been observed in Canada and California as a potential disinfection byproduct (DBP). It was first discovered in California drinking waters in 1998 at several sites known to have been contaminated as a result of aerospace activities. Based on the toxicity of NDMA, California established an initial action level of 2 ng/L. When this was assumed to be due solely to contamination, this action level did not present any over arching problems for utilities. However, there is now data demonstrating that NDMA may indeed be a DBP associated with the use of chloramines or under certain conditions with chlorine. California has established a temporary action level of 20 ng/L while the reliability of analytical methods and investigations on occurrence are underway. Establishing the extent to which NDMA occurs is critical for assessing disinfection alternatives. In order to establish occurrence, it is necessary to have reliable analytical methods. Because the levels of interest for NDMA are extremely low, it is a greater challenge to ensure reliability than with contaminants occurring at higher levels. This paper describes the authors' experience in developing and validating a rugged technique for low-level NDMA and some of the issues that are critical in the analysis. Includes 6 references, tables, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 01/01/2000 Number of Pages: 12File Size: 1 file , 900 KB