Chlorination of Biopterin in Water: Deciphering the Kinetics, Disinfection Byproducts, and Toxicity

. Based on time-of-flight mass spectrometry, ten transformation products (TPs) including seven halogenated N-Cl ones, have been identified for the first time. These cyclic TPs were transformed into various aliphatic carbonaceous and nitrogenous DBPs during the subsequent chlorination process. Notably, theoretical predictions and the luminescent bacteria assay confirmed potential higher toxicities of these products than biopterin. These findings highlight the potential risks of pterins during water disinfection and provide a reference framework for accurately revealing the chlorination behavior of emerging nitrogenous chemicals.