Detecting disinfection byproducts and understanding their formation mechanisms using isotopic analysis

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are unintentionally generated during disinfection from the reactions between chemical disinfectants and organic matter. Their wide distribution in potable water and potential toxicity on human health have aroused public concerns. Isotopic analysis is a powerful technique to determine the isotopic compositions and decipher transformation processes by monitoring and tracking different isotopes, which is of significant use to better detect DBPs and understand their formation mechanisms, including identifying nitrogenous DBP precursors and revealing key steps of halogenation processes. Here, we review the current trends regarding using isotopic analysis on the DBP detection and characterization of DBP formation mechanisms. The sample preparation/pretreatment related to isotopic analysis, principles of instrumental analysis with isotopic analysis, and applications of isotopic analysis on the DBP detection and formation mechanisms were briefly introduced and summarized.