Formation of Volatile Disinfection Byproducts from Chlorination of Organic-N Precursors in Recreational Water

Volatile disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formed in recreational water can function as respiratory irritants, and may promote asthma. However, little information has been published regarding volatile DBP formation in recreational water settings. In this research, the formation of volatile DBPs resulting from chlorination of four organic-N precursors (creatinine, urea, L-histidine, and L-arginine) was investigated. Trichloramine, dichloromethylamine, cyanogen chloride, and dichoroacetonitrile were identified and quantified as volatile DBPs by membrane introduction mass spectrometry in bench-scale experiments involving individual organic precursors and in actual swimming pool water samples. Additional experimentation was conducted for identification of possible reaction pathways to describe the formation of these DBPs from relevant organic-N precursors.