Dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) has long been acknowledged as the principal
reservoir of organic precursors to disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Because NOM
structures are not well defined, most DBP research has focused on the easily
identifiable end products (e.g., the trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids). Toxicological
evidence suggests that other, as yet unidentified, DBPs are responsible for most of the
adverse human health effects attributed to disinfection. There are indications that
nitrogenous compounds may play a key role in these effects, especially the elevated
levels of bladder cancer. The purpose of this ongoing research is to identify precursors
and end product DBPs that are likely to be responsible for some of the key
carcinogenic hazards of chlorination. This includes a careful analysis of the literature,
as well as some laboratory studies using model nitrogenous precursors. Conditions
were used so as to be consistent with accepted DBP testing methodology. Following
the desired chlorine contact period, samples were preserved as needed and analyzed for
major DBPs (THMs, HAAs, etc.), total organic halides (TOX), and other unregulated
byproducts. Using these data, full degradation pathways were proposed. Includes 14 references, tables, figures.