Point‐of‐need quantitative detection of trihalomethanes in environmental water samples using a highly sensitive and selective fiber‐based preconcentration system. Issue 2 (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rouhi, Hadi; Duprey, Colton; Cook, Clint; Linn, Emily; Veres, Sarah; Chen, George; Alshaikh, Ali; Lu, Yang; Terry, Leigh; Elliott, Mark; Wujcik, Evan K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 140:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: colorimetry -- electrospinning -- fiber -- trihalomethane -- water; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.53294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: Drinking water—a vital part of our ecosystem—is often exposed to contamination through industrialization. Halogenated compounds, for example, trihalomethanes (THMs), are among the most common contaminants, being by‐products of water chlorination/treatment. The carcinogenic and health effects of these compounds have motivated scientists to work on the accurate detection of THMs down to 80 ppb in treated water. Here, a superhydrophobic syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) nanofiber mat is used to preconcentrate THMs in environmental water samples, and subsequently, detect them using a well‐known colorimetric reaction chemistry. The reaction chemistry yields a visible red/pink chromophore under visible light absorption. This reaction occurs when the preconcentrated THM becomes trapped in the liquid phase of the reaction chemistry, on the surface of the sPP fibers. This fiber mat is electrospun in a way which results in a large water contact angle >150°—allowing the working sensitivity of the reaction chemistry to be heightened and lowering the detection limit. The resulting color change can be analyzed via a simple quantitative color intensity analysis utilizing widely‐available software, measuring the THM content in water as low as 0.8 ppb. This cost‐effective and selective method was incorporated into a portable device, enabling on‐site users to evaluate the quality of drinking water. Abstract : Trihalomethanes (THMs) can be detected below environmentally‐relevant levels via a two‐stage preconcentration technique and detected colorimetrically in an inexpensive, portable, simple, one‐time‐use sensor. The THMs are first separated from a water sample via thermodynamic means, then separated further through the use of superhydrophobic syndiotactic polypropylene fibers. As the THMs pass through the fibers, they contact the visible colorimetric reaction chemistry.