Identification of trihaloacetaldehydes in ozonated and chlorinated fulvic acid solutions

Abstract

Three brominated trihaloacetaldehydes (THAs), bromodichloroacetaldehyde, dibromochloroacetaldehyde and tribromoacetaldehyde, were identified, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, in ozonated and chlorinated aqueous fulvic acid solutions containing inorganic bromide. Mass spectra of these THAs were obtained in the electron-impact and positive chemical-ionization modes. The significance of the formation of brominated THAs on water quality and future disinfection by-product regulation is discussed.