Discovery of emerging disinfection by-products in water using gas chromatography coupled with Orbitrap-based mass spectrometry

The disinfection of drinking water is required in order to protect consumers from potential waterborne infectious and parasitic pathogens. Water is commonly treated by adding chemical disinfectants, such as free chlorine, chloramines, chlorine dioxide, and ozone. However, although very effective in removing disease-causing microorganisms, these disinfectants can react with naturally occurring materials in the water and can form disinfection by-products (DBPs) which can be harmful to human health. Explore the use of a novel gas chromatography (GC), coupled with high-resolution accurate mass Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer (the Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ GC hybrid quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer) for iodo-DBPs detection and accurate mass identification in chlorinated and chloraminated water samples.