Grantee Research Project Results
Mechanisms and Kinetics of Chloramine Loss and By-Product Formation in the Presence of Reactive Drinking Water Distribution System Constituents.
EPA Grant Number: R826832Title: Mechanisms and Kinetics of Chloramine Loss and By-Product Formation in the Presence of Reactive Drinking Water Distribution System Constituents.
Investigators: Valentine, Richard L.
Institution: University of Iowa
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: September 15, 1998 through September 14, 2001
Project Amount: $317,868
RFA: Drinking Water (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Water
Description:
The fate of chloramines in drinking water distribution systems, the nature of the reactions and by-products, as well as factors which influence these are largely unknown. Work is especially needed to elucidate the role of reactive substances on the fate of chloramines and on DBP formation. Recent exploratory work at Iowa indicates the importance of several ubiquitous reactive distribution system components in determining these. This project seeks to better characterize the influence of NOM, complexed and uncomplexed Fe and Mn, model and collected pipe deposit material, bromide ion, and oxygen on: 1) the fate of monochloramine and the nature of inorganic reaction products, 2) the kinetics of monochloramine chloramine loss, and 3) the formation of selected organic DBPs. Results will also be used to: 4) extend an existing mechanistic chloramine reaction model to include the effects of these reactive substances on chloramine loss and DBP formation.
The presence of these substances will generally increase the rate of chloramine loss and will affect the nature of the inorganic and organic disinfection by-products. Reactions involving NOM and reduced metals will be the dominant chloramine loss pathways in distribution systems containing deposit material. Deposit material will catalyze decomposition and some DBP formation reactions due to the presence of adsorbed reduced metals and NOM. Reduced iron and oxygen will increase chloramine decomposition and organic DBP formation through synergistic effects caused by a one electron transfer from monochloramine to produce a highly reactive radical. Bromide oxidation, while slow, will also enhance oxidation of NOM and brominated DBP formation. The effects of these constituents at different values of pH and Cl/N can be rationalized and predicted in terms of fundamental reactions.
Approach:
The overall approach is to study simultaneous chloramine loss and DBP formation to provide a comprehensive picture of the fate and effects of chloramines. Studies will be conducted using collected and laboratory prepared water in batch reactors to assess the influence of aqueous phase constituents. Reactions involving whole pieces of authentic pipe deposit material will also be studied in a recirculating tubular reactor to better mimic the fluid flow in pipes. Constituent concentrations will be systematically varied as will be monochloramine concentration, pH, and the Cl/N ratio. Variations will include investigations of the effect of prechlorination and preozonation of the waters. Monochloramine concentrations will be measured over a period of at least five days. Samples will be taken for analysis of selected DBPs which may include chloropicrin, cyanogen chloride, cyanogen bromide, THMs, TOX, and haloacetic acids. Mass and redox balances will be made on all inorganic products including nitrogen gas, nitrate, nitrite, chloride, bromide,bromate, and ammonia. Results will be analyzed in the context of an existing mechanistic description of the reactions responsible for the autodecomposition of monochloramine.
Expected Results:
This project will result in improved understanding of processes causing chloramine loss and formation of disinfection by-products in distribution systems. Information gained will facilitate improvements in water quality and water plant operation by providing water plant managers new information on the fate and effects of chloramines. New models will provide guidance in chloramination practices and assessment of the significance of chloramine loss and DBP formation potential.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 15 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 8 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
environmental chemistry, oxidation, compounds, treatment,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Drinking Water, microbial contamination, public water systems, oxidation, disinfection byproducts (DPBs), community water system, kinetics of Chloramine loss, treatment, bromate formation, brominated DPBs, manganese, drinking water distribution system, iron, microbial risk management, chloramines, emerging pathogens, DBP risk management, water quality, drinking water contaminantsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.