SafeCREW Analytical Protocol #1 – Advanced analytical procedures for the characterization of sulfonated disinfection byproducts in drinking water

Introduction Only a small number of DBPs are regulated so far. However, the majority, including the main toxicity drivers in disinfected water, remain unknown. Traditional methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and reversed-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RP-LC-MS), are often ineffective for highly polar contaminants, as these compounds are neither sufficiently volatile for GC analysis nor well retained by reversed-phase columns in RP-LC-MS. To address this limitation, the SafeCREW project has developed a novel analytical approach based on supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (SFC-MS) enabling the characterisation of previously unknown highly polar sulfonated DBPs in drinking water. Target audience This analytical test protocol targets water utilities and researchers. Utilities can apply it to monitor and manage DBPs in their systems; researchers can use it to design studies on DBP formation mechanism and toxicity. Scope and objective of the analytical protocol This guideline covers advanced analytical procedures for sampling, detecting, identifying, and quantifying highly polar sulfonated DBPs. It focuses on complementary chromatographic techniques, high-resolution and targeted mass spectrometry, and sample-enrichment strategies relevant to drinking water. The objective of this guideline is to provide reliable, sensitive, and practical analytical methods for the characterisation of polar DBPs. It aims to support laboratories and researchers in applying state-of-the-art techniques for comprehensive DBP analysis.