Detection Limits and Decomposition Mechanisms for Organic Contaminants in Water Using Optical Emission Spectroscopy

In addition to drinking water resources, the need for clean water in many industrial processes is critical. Among potential contaminants, those associated with fuel oxygenate additives (e.g. MTBE) are of concern as they partition into aqueous phases. Development of methods for detection and decontamination, including plasma pollution control, have been the objective of many studies. Here, inductively‐coupled rf plasmas were used for detection of organic contaminants (CH3OH, MTBE) in water. Parent molecule decomposition was followed using actinometric OES. Emission from CO* yielded a detection limit of 0.01 ppm for each compound. Complementary mass spectrometry data were also collected to explore decomposition mechanisms. magnified image