Formation of Halogenated Artifacts in Brominated, Chloraminated, and Chlorinated Solvents

The formation of halogenated solvent artifacts was investigated in common analytical solvents exposed to free chlorine, chloramines, and free bromine. Three brominated solvent artifacts [3-bromo-3-methyl-2-butanol (BMB), l-bromo-2-methyl-2-propanol, and bromoacetone] were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in methyl teri-butyl ether or pentane exposed to free bromine. These same three compounds have been previously reported as new disinfection byproducts in ozonated waters high in bromide. A number of chlorinated artifacts, which were reported as novel chloramination byproducts in another previous study, were also identified in diethyl ether exposed to free chlorine and chloramines. The present study indicated that the formation of halogenated artifacts is common in disinfection byproduct (DBF) analysis. Since the formation of artifacts will limit the quantitative and qualitative analysis of DBFs in unquenched water samples, we suggest four ways to avoid the problems related to these artifacts. We also recommend that further research be carried out to verify the results of those studies where known solvent artifacts are reported as byproducts of drinking water disinfection.