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Photosensitized degradation kinetics of trace halogenated contaminants in natural waters using membrane introduction mass spectrometry as an in situ reaction monitor

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Abstract

The photochemically mediated dechlorination of polyhalogenated compounds represents a potential decontamination strategy and a relevant environmental process in chemically reducing media. We report the UV irradiation of natural and artificial waters containing natural dissolved organic matter to effect the photo-sensitized degradation of chlorinated organic compounds, including tetrachloromethane, 1,1,1-tricloroethane, perchloroethene, 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane and chlorobenzene at trace (ppb) levels in aqueous solution. The degradation kinetics are followed in situ using membrane introduction mass spectrometry. By re-circulating the reaction mixture in a closed loop configuration over a semi-permeable hollow fiber polydimethylsiloxane membrane in a flow cell interface, volatile and semi-volatile compounds are continuously monitored using a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The time resolved quantitative information provides useful mechanistic insights, including kinetic data. Pseudo first-order rate constants for the degradation of contaminant mixtures in natural waters are reported.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Environmental Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, V9R 5S5, BC, Canada

    Dane R. Letourneau, Chris G. Gill & Erik T. Krogh

  2. University of Victoria, Department of Chemistry, PO Box 3065 Stn CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 3V6, Canada

    Dane R. Letourneau, Chris G. Gill & Erik T. Krogh

Authors
  1. Dane R. Letourneau
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  2. Chris G. Gill
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Correspondence to Erik T. Krogh.

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Letourneau, D.R., Gill, C.G. & Krogh, E.T. Photosensitized degradation kinetics of trace halogenated contaminants in natural waters using membrane introduction mass spectrometry as an in situ reaction monitor. Photochem Photobiol Sci 14, 2108–2118 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1039/c5pp00286a

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