Method for Detecting Perchlorate in Bottled Water
.1OImIal of the Science of Food and Agriculture J Sci Food Agric 80:1798-1804 (online: 2000) Edward T Urbans~y, 1. Baohua GU,2 Matthew L Magnuson,1 Gilbert M Brown3 and Catherine A Kelty I , Uniled States EnvIrmmen8JProt8Cfon Agency, Offlce of ReseBICh8M ~, Nstiona/Risk ManagementR-m ~, WsW Supplyand WaterR~ DIvisIon,CkJdnnatf, OH 45268, USA 2En~taI Sc/encssDMskJII, Oak Ridge N8tkJn8lL8boratOIy, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA* 3Chemic8and AI8Iytk:a/ ScienC8SD;visIon. Oak Ridge NationalLabOIafOIY. Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA* Abstract: Perchlorate has been identified in ground and surface waters around the USA including some that serve as supplies for drinking water. Because perchlorate salts are used as solid oxidants in rockets and ordnance, water contamination may occur near military or aerospace installations or defense industry manufacturing facilities. This ion has been added to the Environmental Protection Agency's Contaminant Candidate List and the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. Concern over perchlorate has prompted many residents in affected areas to switch to bottled water; however, bottled waters have not previously been examined for perchlorate contamination. Should the EPA promulgate a regulation for municipal water systems, US law requires the Food and Drug Administration to take action on bottled water. Methods will therefore be required to determine perchlorate concentrations not only in tap water, but also in bottled waters. Ion chromatography (IC) is the primary technique used for its analysis in drinking water, but it does not provide a unique identification. Confirmation by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) can serve in this capacity. The ESI-MS method can be applied to these products, but it requires an understanding of matrix effects, especially of high ionic strength that can suppress electrospray.
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