Online determination of bromate and other disinfection byproducts in drinking & bottled water with IC

Importance of the Topic

Ensuring safe drinking water requires minimizing disinfection byproducts such as bromate, a carcinogenic and nephrotoxic compound formed during ozonation. Real-time monitoring of these trace analytes supports public health protection and compliance with WHO and EU limits (<10 µg/L).

Study Objectives and Overview

This study demonstrates the application of the 2060 IC Process Analyzer for the online detection of bromate and other anions in drinking and bottled water. It evaluates standard methods (EPA 300.1, ISO 11206, etc.) and illustrates system performance in continuous monitoring scenarios.

Methodology

Water samples are continuously drawn from treatment or bottling lines and conditioned inline using Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation techniques. Ion chromatography separates target anions, followed by detection via conductivity or UV/Vis. Automated calibration and eluent production ensure stable baselines and reproducible results.

Used Instrumentation

• Metrohm 2060 IC Process Analyzer platform with modular design
• Inline eluent production module and contactless reagent level sensors
• Optional ELGA PURELAB® flex 5/6 for continuous ultrapure water supply
• Conductivity and UV/Vis detectors for sensitive analyte detection

Main Results and Discussion

Continuous monitoring achieved quantitation of bromate at sub-µg/L levels with high reproducibility and recovery. Automated alarms warn when concentrations approach regulatory limits, preventing off-spec water release. Multi-stream sampling (up to 20 lines) enables cost-effective oversight of diverse process points.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• Maintains compliance with EPA, ISO, and ASTM drinking water standards
• Reduces risk of contaminated batch recall through real-time alerts
• Supports multiple sampling points from a single analyzer
• Ensures stable baselines via automated eluent preparation

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Integration with advanced process analytics and AI-driven trend analysis could enhance predictive maintenance and quality control. Expansion to trace analysis of other disinfection byproducts, coupling IC with mass spectrometry, and miniaturized portable systems are emerging directions.

Conclusion

The Metrohm 2060 IC Process Analyzer provides robust online quantitation of bromate and other anions, ensuring regulatory compliance and process optimization. Its modular design, automated calibration, and multi-stream capability deliver reliable, cost-efficient monitoring for drinking and bottled water industries.

Reference

• TA-004 Trace determination of bromate in water
• AN-S-047 Bromide and sulfate in a pharmaceutical product
• AN-U-051 Trace bromate in drinking water – Determination according to ISO 11206
• AN-M-015 Trace haloacetic acids, dalapon, and bromate in water – Determination as per US EPA 557 applying IC-MS/MS