Using GC/FT-ICR MS for the Identification of Disinfection By-products
Student Investigator
Amanda Harvey, Undergraduate Student
University of Maine
Project Synopsis
Research will be conducted to identify disinfection by-products (DBPs) in natural and treated drinking water supplies. The selection of the sample sizes and sites will be based on our previous research findings (3) and discussions with our collaborators at the Maine Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI). Samples will be taken from local sources and analyzed with Gas Chromatography Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (GC/ FT-ICR MS). This project will help with the identification of unknown DBPs in water supplies and drinking water. Hence, outcome of the proposed tasks will have positive impacts on both environmental and human health research activities. A significant portion of the high resolution analytical capabilities for analysis of DPBs were developed in this laboratory and hence we expect that the proposed activities will allow the State of Maine and the University of Maine to continue competing at the national and international levels using state-of-the-art high performance instrumentation.
Introduction
Disinfectants, such as chlorine or ozone, are used to treat drinking water in order to kill microbes that cause illnesses such as cholera and typhoid. (1) Since the start of treating water with chlorine the deaths from water-borne illnesses significantly decreased. Disinfection by-products are formed when the disinfectants bind to natural organic matter present in the source water. (2) About 600-700 DBPs have been identified. (3) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has maximum contaminant levels for trihalomethanes (80 ppb), haloacetic acids (60 ppb), bromate (10 ppb), and chlorite (1 ppm). (2) Although the EPA has limits on the previous DBPs, it is estimated that 50% of the total organic halides in chlorinated drinking water remain unidentified. (3) Research has shown that some of the DBPs formed in water are linked to cancer in laboratory animals. (1) A successful method used to analyze drinking water and identify DBPs is that of GC/FT-ICR MS. (3,4) It can be used to separate complex chemical mixtures and identify unknown analytes. This method will be used to analyze water samples from local sources to identify DBPs present.
Objectives
- To identify present disinfection by-products in local Maine water supplies
- To investigate the levels of disinfection by-products in treated and untreated water samples
- To determine the formation of disinfection by-products as a function of water treatment processes
- Use the acquired data to complete an undergraduate level research thesis
- Use the acquired data to publish at least one paper in a refereed journal
- Use the acquired data to submit proposals and acquire federal funding
Methods Outline
Water samples will be collected from water supplies in three local towns. Again, the final selection of the sample size(s) and site(s) will be based on our previous research findings (3) and discussions with our collaborators at the Maine WRRI.. For example, samples can be taken from two different rivers, two different lakes, a water supply prior to being treated with disinfectants, and from the same water supply after treatment with disinfectants. Samples will be collected in high-density polyethylene containers and transported in a cooler back to the University of Maine. Solid phase micro extraction will be used to introduce the sample into the GC/FT-ICR MS, which will be used to analyze and identify DBPs present in the samples.
Impact of Project
This project will assist in the research towards identification of harmful DBPs in drinking water. Upon the identification of DBPs present in drinking water, it may be possible to determine ways to reduce the levels present and provide safer water supplies for our local communities. Identification of trihalomethanes in the water supply will not only help the field of bio-environmental analytical chemistry, but it will help keep the University of Maine at a competitive level with other research institutions world wide. More personally, conducting research in Dr. Solouki’s lab this summer will prepare me for my thesis work during my senior year at the University. This summer research project will help to enhance the level of my education, making me a more valuable candidate for graduate schools and future employers.
Expected Deliverables
- a student poster presentation at the 2010 Maine Water Conference
- attendance at the annual American Society of Mass Spectrometry conference
- a manuscript reporting the work and findings of the summer research
- a basis for the continuation of my undergraduate thesis work
Investigator’s Qualifications
Last summer, I participated in a summer research opportunity at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. This experience has taught me about life in the lab, how research is conducted, and what the outcomes can be. I have already been introduced and spent time in Dr. Solouki’s laboratory. With my chemistry classes and time in the lab, I have already had the training to run the GC/FT-ICR MS. This will help speed up the process of starting the research project. I am a very motivated student, interested in helping the field of science, the University’s research competitiveness, and my own career path. Gathering research of significant importance this summer will be a tremendous opportunity to publish a paper on my findings. Dr. Solouki’s lab has already had undergraduate students publish refereed Conference Proceedings and refereed Journal Articles and I feel that with the opportunity to conduct this research I can be the next student on that list and continue to make the University of Maine a leader in this research area.
