Nitrosamine occurrence at Korean surface water using an analytical method based on GC/LRMS.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Water Quality Assessment

Background:

• Nitrosamines are a class of environmental contaminants with potential health risks.
• Surface water quality monitoring is crucial for public health and ecological balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the occurrence of nitrosamines in the Nakdong River, South Korea.
• To develop and validate an affordable analytical method for nitrosamine detection.
• To assess the extent of nitrosamine contamination and identify key compounds.

Main Methods:

• Development of a nitrosamine analytical method using Gas Chromatography-Low Resolution Mass Spectrometry (GC/LRMS).
• Sampling and analysis of surface water from the Nakdong River.
• Quantification of six specific nitrosamine compounds: NDEA, NDPA, NDMA, NMEA, NDBA, and NDPHA.

Main Results:

• Six nitrosamine compounds were detected in the Nakdong River.
• N-nitrosomethylethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine (NDPA) were identified as the most significant contaminants.
• NDEA concentrations exceeded the California Department of Health Care Services (CDHCS) response level at several sites.
• The maximum total nitrosamine concentration detected was 735.7 ng/L.
• A predictive equation for downstream nitrosamine concentration was established, showing a correlation with Total Nitrogen (T-N).

Conclusions:

• The developed GC/LRMS method provides an affordable approach for nitrosamine analysis.
• Nitrosamine contamination is a concern in the Nakdong River, with NDEA and NDPA as primary contributors.
• The proposed equation can aid in predicting and managing downstream nitrosamine levels.