This study investigated how the determination of
haloacetic acid (HAA) in chloraminated samples was
affected by use of ammonium chloride (NH<;sub>;4<;/sub>;Cl), the
chlorine quenching agent recommended in U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency Method 552.3. Alternative
quenching agents and methods were also examined.
Study results showed that using NH<;sub>;4<;/sub>;Cl to preserve
HAA samples obtained from chloraminated waters
may result in positive errors for samples collected at
short contact (or residence) time locations. The magnitude
of these errors in practical applications will vary
depending on several factors, including pH, reactivity
of dissolved organic matter and concentration at the
point of chloramination, and chlorine/ammonia application.
Among various quenching agents or methods
tested, sodium arsenite and stoichiometric amounts of
sodium sulfate were found to be appropriate for chloramine
samples but have some limitations for use in
practical applications.
Selection of sample quenching and preservation
methods for HAA determination in chloramination
systems must be carefully evaluated. In addition, better
quenching methods for HAA determination in chloraminated
waters are needed. Includes 24 references, figures.