Previously Unknown Chemical Discovered in Drinking Water

Drinking water in developed countries is generally clean, yet invisible contaminants can still pose risks. For decades, scientists have puzzled over a mysterious “phantom chemical” in treated water. Now, researchers have identified this elusive compound, revealing it as entirely new to science.

The Mystery of Chloramine By-Products

Chlorination is a common method for disinfecting drinking water, effectively eliminating most pathogens but often producing harmful by-products. To reduce these risks, chloramine, a related compound, is frequently used in the U.S. and other regions because it produces fewer by-products and remains effective longer. However, chloramine has its own by-products, and chemical analyses have consistently shown that 5–10% of nitrogen from chloramine disappears, locked in a compound that had evaded identification—until now.

Scientists have identified this “phantom chemical” as a chloronitramide anion, a negatively charged molecule composed of chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms. By synthesizing and isolating the compound, they used advanced tools like high-resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine its properties.

Chloronitramide Anion Found in U.S. Water Systems at Concerning Levels

A Newly Identified By-Product Exceeding Safety Limits

Further investigation revealed the presence of chloronitramide anion in chloramine-treated water systems across the U.S., with concentrations reaching up to 100 micrograms per liter. This level exceeds the typical regulatory limits of 60–80 micrograms per liter set for disinfection by-products.

Although its toxicological profile remains unclear, early analyses suggest the compound may not be entirely harmless. “A toxicological investigation would be valuable now that we know its identity, but I’m not overly concerned about my tap water,” says Oliver Jones, Professor of Chemistry at RMIT. Jones emphasizes that while the compound’s presence has been known for over 30 years, its detailed definition is new. He adds that the detected concentrations were generally below regulatory limits in most samples, and only 40 samples were tested—insufficient to draw conclusions about all U.S. tap water.

Whether or not chloronitramide poses significant health risks, identifying this long-unexplained chemical marks a critical step forward. The study was published in Science.

Read Original Article: New Atlas

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