Analysis of Trace Levels of Lodinated Trihalomethanes in Water Using Headspace- GC/ECD

Abstract: Trihalomethanes (THMs) are formed as a results of the reaction of residual chlorine, used as a disinfectant in drinking water, with the organic matter in raw water. Although chlorinated and brominated THMs are the most common disinfection by-products (DBPs) reported, iodinated THMs (I-THMs) can be formed when iodide is present in raw water. I-THMs have been usually associated with several medicinal or pharmaceutical taste and odor problems and is a potential health concern since they have been reported to be more toxic than their brominated and chlorinated analogs. Currently, there is no published standard ana-lytical method for I-THMs in water. An automated headspace-gas chromatography/electron capture detector (GC/ECD) technique was developed for routine analysis of 10 THMs including 6 I-THMs in water samples. The optimization of the method is discussed. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) range from 12 ng/L to 56 ng/L and from 38 ng/L to 178 ng/L for 10 THMs, respectively. Matrix effects in river water, sea water and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) final effluent water were investigated and it was shown that the method is suitable for the analysis of trace levels of I-THMs, in a wide range of waters