Advances in the analysis of disinfection by-products with mass spectrometry: Sample preparation and target/non-target screening

The identification and quantification of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in disinfected water is challenging due to their high chemodiversity and low concentration levels. There is a clear trend in developing new methods and improving the related methodology for qualitative and quantitative analysis of DBPs in different water matrices, such as drinking water and reclaimed water. This article reviews the advances made in mass spectrometry determination of DBPs in water over the past decade especially for the past five years. In particular, sample pre-treatment approaches and target and non-target workflows for the analysis of emerging DBPs are presented in detail. The advantages and disadvantages of employing different instrumental configurations and analytical strategies are discussed. Challenges and future directions in this field are also provided.