Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) is present in raw and finished drinking waters,
although the DON concentrations have not been determined. DON analytical techniques
have been established by marine scientists and freshwater ecologists, but have not been
applied to drinking water systems specifically. Based upon United States Geologic
Survey (USGS) water quality monitoring data, over 23,000 water samples for DON were
calculated. The 50th percentile DON concentration, that were not below the detection
limit of 2 mg-N/L, for surface water (0.34 mgN/L) was greater than the groundwater
concentrations (0.24 and 0.17 mgN/L for shallow and deep groundwater, respectively).
During drinking water treatment the removal of DON by different chemical and physical
treatment processes is unknown. Model organic nitrogen material is reactive with
oxidants and can form disinfection byproducts. Most DON in natural waters are
considered to be proteinaceous material or recalcitrant high molecular weight humic-like
material. This paper presents an overview on DON occurrence, measurement, reactivity,
and treatment. Includes 28 references, table, figure.