Performance evaluation of a method for the determination of bromate in drinking water by ion chromatography (EPA Method 317.0) and validation of EPA Method 324.0

The potential carcinogenic nature of bromate has prompted global regulatory agencies, and industrial and academic institutions to publish several meth ods for the analysis of bromate in both drinking and bottled waters. The Un ited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported two methods capable of detecting bromate at or below the promulgated maximum contaminan t level of 10.0 mu g/l. These methods are EPA Method 300.1 and 317.0. Metho d 300.1 has been promulgated by EPA for compliance monitoring of bromate un der Stage 1 of the Disinfectants /Disinfection By-Products Rule. Due to its sensitivity, selectivity and simplicity, Method 317.0 has been drafted and evaluated for potential use as a future compliance monitoring method. This manuscript describes the performance evaluation work with Method 317.0 and efforts completed at EPA's Technical Support Center that improved the sens itivity of Method 317.0, leading to the development of EPA Method 324.0 (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.