The INTODBP project is pleased to announce the publication of new research that significantly advances the monitoring of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water. The study, titled “Comprehensive green analytical methods for monitoring small organic and inorganic disinfection by-products in drinking water,” introduces innovative, sustainable methodologies that align with the latest European safety standards.

The Challenge: Balancing Safety and Side Effects
While disinfecting drinking water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, the process often creates harmful chemical by-products. Monitoring these substances is a regulatory requirement, but traditional laboratory methods are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and involve the use of hazardous solvents.

The Solution: Green Analytical Chemistry
The research team has successfully developed and optimized a dual-track approach that prioritizes efficiency and sustainability:

  • Organic DBPs (THMs): By combining Thin Film-Solid Phase Microextraction (TF-SPME) and Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE), researchers achieved superior extraction efficiency. This method utilizes thermal desorption-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC–MS), drastically reducing the environmental footprint of the testing process.

  • Inorganic & Organic Acids (HAAs): The study developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method that eliminates the need for sample pretreatment or chemical derivatization. This allows for faster results and less laboratory waste.

These optimised methods have achieved high sensitivity and linearity, fully meeting the requirements of the EU 2020/2184 Drinking Water Directive. Designed for routine monitoring, these techniques provide water utilities and regulatory bodies with a robust, repeatable, and “green” blueprint for ensuring water safety across Europe.

The study was conducted by Photini Papaioakeim, Efstathios A. Elia, and Agapios Agapiou from the Department of Chemistry and the Nireas-International Water Research Center at the University of Cyprus. Their work represents a major step forward in bridging the gap between high-precision water analysis and environmental sustainability.

Read the full study here.