Chloroform formation by chlorination of aqueous algae suspensions: Online monitoring via membrane introduction mass spectrometry

Abstract

Membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) was used to perform on-line monitoring of the chloroform formation via the chlorination of aqueous suspensions of several green and blue-green Brazilian algae (Microcystis panniformis, Selenastrum sp., Scenedesmus sp., Monoraphidium sp. (strain 354), Monoraphidium sp. (strain 960), and Staurastrum sp.). The influence of major parameters, such as temperature, pH, initial concentration of sodium hypochloride, filtration, and reaction time, on chloroform formation was evaluated. It was verified that the chloroform formation is strongly dependent on the alga type and is favored by high temperatures, pH, sodium hypochloride initial concentration and reaction time. Finally, filtered algae samples produce smaller amounts of chloroform in comparison to the rough suspension. ©2008 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.