Analysis of Haloacetic Acids in Drinking Water Without Extensive Sample Preparation: a LC/MS/MS Solution.

Drinking Water
Poster Presentation

Prepared by R. Marfil-Vega1, J. Masuda2
1 - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046, United States
2 - Shimadzu, , Kyoto, , Japan


Contact Information: rmmarfilvega@shimadzu.com; 410-910-0884

ABSTRACT

Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are known carcinogens that may occur as disinfection byproducts in drinking water. Currently five HAAs are regulated under the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule and occurrence of four more HAAs is being monitored under the Unregulated Contaminant Rule 4 (2018-2020). The vast majority of utilities and environmental commercial laboratories use EPA method 552.3 to ensure monitoring compliance with federal regulations. However, this method is tedious and prone to errors due to the complex sample preparation. Also, reagents required are potentially harmful for humans and ecosystems if not handled and disposed properly. Method EPA 557, based on the use of ion chromatography mass spectrometry, is an alternative for the analysis of HAAs that has not been yet widely implemented. An easier and faster method for the analysis of HAAs based on the direct injection of the samples onto a LCMSMS will be presented here. Because of the ease of implementation and fast turn around time of results, this method is a promising alternative for the monitoring of HAAs, especially during events in which increased formation of HAAs could occur (e.x. chlorine burns, maintenance in water treatment plants and distribution system…). In this presentation, the method performance according to EPA 557 will be demonstrated.