Prediction of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation as a disinfection by-product

Abstract This study investigated the possibility of a statistical model application for the prediction of N -nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation. The NDMA formation was studied as a function of monochloramine concentration (0.001–5 mM) at fixed dimethylamine (DMA) concentrations of 0.01 mM or 0.05 mM. Excellent linear correlations were observed between the molar ratio of monochloramine to DMA and the NDMA formation on a log scale at pH 7 and 8. When a developed prediction equation was applied to a previously reported study, a good result was obtained. The statistical model appears to predict adequately NDMA concentrations if other NDMA precursors are excluded. Using the predictive tool, a simple and approximate calculation of NDMA formation can be obtained in drinking water systems.