Analysis of N-nitrosamine disinfection byproducts in drinking water

N-nitrosamines (NAs) are widely recognized as cancer-causing and genotoxic substances that emerge in water primarily as a result of chlorination or chloramination disinfection processes when nitrogen-containing compounds are present. N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an NA that has garnered considerable attention due to its highly carcinogenic properties. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is the preferred method for isolating NAs from water samples, with analysis primarily relying on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC−MS) or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC−MS). Despite this, comprehensive research into the distribution and potential consequences of NAs in water remains largely unexplored on the African continent. There is a pressing need for extensive research geared towards the development of sensitive yet user-friendly analytical techniques for detecting NAs and monitoring their presence in African water sources, especially in drinking water, to better assess potential health risks for the human population.