Identification of new water disinfection byproducts of health importance

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Emerging drinking water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a challenging public health issue because drinking water is a pervasive public exposure. Epidemiological studies have suggested an association of drinking chlorinated water with an increased risk of bladder cancer and possibly other adverse health effects. The regulated DBPs offer no plausible toxicological explanation for increased risks of cancer and adverse health effects that are suggested by epidemiological studies. One possible explanation is that many other unidentified DBPs may play more important roles in the health effects observed, because an estimated majority (~70%) of halogenated DBPs remains unknown. To address the technology challenges and knowledge gaps in monitoring water quality and optimizing disinfection, we propose to develop a new analytical strategy enabling identification of new DBPs, with an emphasis on halogenated peptides. This strategy will be facilitated by new techniques of sample preconcentration and comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis. The outcome of this strategic research project will provide innovative analytical strategy and tools that will broaden DBP research. It will also offer new knowledge enabling the optimization of water treatment to achieve the best quality of drinking water (effective disinfection of pathogens while minimizing risk of DBPs) and to maximize the effectiveness of drinking water guidelines for this pervasive public exposure.