Halogen (and Species) Determination in Surface Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Ion Chromatography

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the contribution of the activities and effects of a University Campus on the waters that are part of its natural environment, by focusing on the determination of halogens. This case study was undertaken on the Federal University of Santa Maria campus, Santa Maria city, where teaching and research activities occur, in addition to the main regional Hospital and University Residence inside the campus. Composite sampling was carried out over 12 h at five strategic points, from the stream’s entrance to the exit of the university campus. Chlorine, bromine, and iodine were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and fluoride, chloride, bromide, and iodide species were determined by ion chromatography (IC). Results revealed that among the activities developed on the university campus, those carried out at the hospital have the greatest impact on halogen concentrations. Nonetheless, a comparison of the analyte concentrations in the inlet and outlet streams, showed that they are generally similar or smaller to those in other streams except for iodine.