Ultra-High Sensitivity Analysis of Nitrosamines Using the SCIEX 7500 SystemDrinking Water
Poster Presentation
Presented by T. Akanji
Prepared by T. Akanji
SCIEX, 500 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA, 01701, United States
Contact Information: [email protected]; 774-505-8492
ABSTRACT
Nitrosamines, known for their genotoxic and carcinogenic properties, are byproducts of industrial processes and can form during water treatment processes involving ozone or chlorine. Current regulations for these chemicals in water vary widely across regions. For example, with no explicit limit set for nitrosamines in the EU Drinking Water Directive, some countries do not regulate these chemicals or they provide guidance instead of enforcing strict limits. Even when limits are set, they can differ significantly. Guideline values for NDMA range from as high as 100 ng/L to as low as 10 ng/L. Health reference levels for various nitrosamines can span from 0.4 ng/L to 30 ng/L, and some regions set specific limits for NDMA while others use more general signaling limits for anthropogenic substances. With such variability, SCIEX established a method to provide drinking water companies with a sensitive technique for monitoring nitrosamines and fulfilling the requirements set by legislation.
This study presents a validated method for the analysis of nitrosamines in three different water matrices; drinking water, ground water and surface water, utilizing the SCIEX 7500 system. The method achieves reporting limits of 1-3 ng/L through a straightforward sample preparation involving sodium thiosulfate addition and filtration before direct injection. Additionally, this pre-treatment step significantly reduced background nitrosamine peaks, enhancing the method's reliability. The method demonstrated excellent reproducibility (%-CV ≤12%) and accuracy (94-105%) across all three water sources. This method provides a sensitive and reliable technique for monitoring nitrosamines, helping drinking water companies comply with diverse regulatory requirements.
