Analysis of Bromate in Tap Water Using a Triple Quadrupole LC/MS/MS-1

Introduction

Bromate in tap water is generated by advanced water treatment processes such as ozone disinfection in the process of water purification. Potassium bromate has been classified by the IARC (1999) as a Group B2 substance which is possibly carcinogenic to humans, and was added to the water quality standards of Japan in 2004. Upon its addition, ion chromatography with post- column absorption spectroscopy was designated as the testing method for bromate. (Annex table 18 of "Method Determined by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare on the Basis of the Ordinance Provisions Relating to Water Quality Standards", Notification No. 261 issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (MHLW) in 2003) In December 2016, the MHLW gathered opinions for partial amendment of this method, and as given in annex table 18-2 "Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry", mass spectrometry was proposed as a new testing method (proposal) for bromate. This article introduces the results of our examination of LC/MS/MS analysis using an anion exchange column based on this new testing method (proposal).

April 3, 2017 GMT