Application of high-resolution mass spectrometry for advanced assessment of water quality
Dissolved organic matter (DOM) found in water is composed of known and unknown compounds. Micropollutants, disinfection byproducts, precursors, and biodegradable organic matter cause various issues in water use. However, conventional analytical tools cannot resolve DOM. Recent advent of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) such as Orbitrap mass spectrometry and time-of-flight mass spectrometry allows us to determine molecular-level composition of DOM via target and non-target screening. We apply HRMS for advanced assessment of water quality in water use. For example, HRMS is powerful because it reveals compositional changes of DOM during water treatment and identifies specific compounds promoting bacterial regrowth in drinking water. Moreover, it is also used for efficient screening of emerging micropollutants in surface water.
