Analysis of inorganic chloramines in water

This article describes the state of the art of the methods used for analysis of inorganic chloramines in water. After we introduce the physicochemical properties, the use and the toxicity of inorganic chloramines, we describe methods with little or no specificity (e.g., colorimetry, titrimetry and amperometry) and the chemical reagents used in these methods. We also introduce methods involving more specific techniques (e.g., high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry). We compare the performances of all these methods in terms of specificity, selectivity, limits of quantitation, ease of operation and possibility of automation.

► State of the art of methods used for analysis of inorganic chloramines in water.
► Many methods have LOQs above levels of inorganic chloramines expected in rivers.
► LC-MS should be more effective than HPLC with traditional detectors.
► A softer ionization mode should significantly improve the performance of MIMS.
► HR mass analyzers with multiple-stage MS should provide unequalled specificity.