Development and Validation of an Analytical Method for Bromate by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)

Abstract

We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis method for the determination of bromate in drinking water. Furthermore, we have conducted a validation test along with 23 organizations to confirm the validity of the analytical method. Recovery tests of bromate spiked into drinking water obtained by each organization were performed with two set points, that is the standard value (0.01 mg L^-1) and 1/10 of the standard value (0.001 mg L^-1) of bromate in the Japanese Waterworks Act. The linearity of calibration curves, selectivity, accuracy (recovery) , repeatability, and intermediate precision of bromate concentrations were calculated by the data of the recovery tests. The linearity of the calibration curves and selectivity were satisfactory. The accuracy, repeatability, and intermediate precision for the two concentrations obtained by the recovery tests satisfied the criteria in the guideline for the validation of the testing method for drinking water. These criteria are provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan. Therefore, we concluded that the analytical method developed in the present study is valid for the analysis of bromate in drinking water.