Significance of Regular Monitoring of Inorganic Oxyhalides in Water

Abstract

Introduction: The process of disinfection to prevent the colonization of harmful microorganism results in disinfection byproducts particularly during the desalination of sea water. Formation of inorganic oxyhalides such as bromate during chlorination and ozonation needs to be monitored as they found to have health implications.

Objectives: This report presents the status of inorganic oxyhalides in Abu Dhabi water

Methods: Ion Chromatography System equipped with a conductivity detector was utilized to determine the ionic species using a conductivity detector for selective separation of ClO₂^–, BrO₃^– and ClO₃^– ions.

Results: A total of 102 water samples were assessed in this study. Of the 3 oxyhalides investigated, only bromate was found to breach the regulatory threshold while chlorate and chlorite were below the detection limit.

Conclusions: In conclusion, ion chromatography is an effective method to monitor disinfection by products and regular monitoring is very important particularly while converting sea water into drinking water for remedial measures.