Using Ion Chromatography to Analyze Inorganic Disinfection By‐products

Abstract

Ion chromatography is used to analyze drinking water for inorganic disinfection by‐products—the oxyhalides of chlorine and bromine—following disinfection. A previous study found chlorite ion (ClO 2 − ) to be unstable in drinking water. This investigation focused on stabilizing and preserving ClO 2 − by studying several agents known to quench its reaction with species present in drinking water. Based on the initial stability study, ethylenediamine was an effective preservative and was further studied using finished water from various utilities. Also, the measurement of bromate following ozonation of a river water matrix containing 0.037 mg Br − /L is illustrated.