The Growing Concern of Transformation Products (TPs)

Water is a precious resource, and ensuring its quality is paramount. While water treatment facilities work tirelessly to purify water, emerging contaminants pose significant challenges. One such concern is the presence of transformation products (TPs).

The Hidden Threat of TPs 

TPs are formed when chemicals, such as those found in plant protection products (PPPs) or biocides, undergo physical or chemical changes during the water treatment process. These new compounds can pose potential risks to human and animal health and the environment, often going undetected by traditional monitoring methods. Understanding the formation, behavior, and potential impacts of TPs is crucial for safeguarding our water resources.  

Why TPs Matter 

• Unknown Risks: TPs can pose unknown health risks to humans and animals consuming treated water. 
• Regulatory Compliance: Increasing awareness of TPs has led to stricter regulations, emphasizing the need for proactive management to ensure product safety.  

The Analytical Challenge 

Identifying and characterizing TPs is a complex task demanding advanced analytical techniques. Traditional methods may not be sufficient to detect these often-elusive compounds. To address this challenge, Battelle's team of experts employs sophisticated techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to accurately analyze and understand the chemical composition of TPs. 

In addition to advanced analytical techniques, Battelle offers: 

• Tailored Modeling Solutions: Our team of experts can develop and apply specialized computational models to simulate the behavior of TPs in various environmental scenarios, helping you assess potential risks and optimize strategies. 
• In-House Water Treatment Expertise: We can conduct water treatment simulation tests under real-world conditions in a laboratory setting to understand which TPs may be formed during each of the following treatment processes: 
  • Chlorination with NaOCl or Cl₂ gas 
  • Chlorination with NH₂Cl 
  • Pre-oxidation with ClO₂ 
  • Combination of pre-oxidation with ClO₂ and Chlorination with NaOCl or Cl₂ or Chloramination with NH₂Cl 
  • Ozonation 
  • UV disinfection 
  • Rapid sand filtration 

By understanding the formation and behavior of TPs, we can develop effective strategies to mitigate their potential risks. Addressing these concerns is crucial for regulatory compliance and ensuring the safety of your products. 

Overcoming Data Deluge 

Non-targeted analysis (NTA) is a powerful tool for discovering unknown TPs. However, it generates vast amounts of data that require careful interpretation. Advanced software tools and data processing techniques are essential for extracting meaningful insights from this data. 

Battelle's Capabilities and Expertise  

Battelle's comprehensive approach to metabolite identification and risk assessment supports various industries, including agrochemicals, biocides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Our expertise in plant protection products and biocides positions us to effectively guide clients through the new water treatment guidance document. 

Our capabilities include: 

• Conducting higher-tier environmental fate studies, with labeled or unlabeled test items to provide robust data 
• State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation to identify unknown transformation products (TPs) 
• Structure elucidation 
• Extensive experience using computational models to predict and understand chemical behavior 
• Exposure assessment 
• Conducting regulatory risk assessments covering human health and environmental risk 
• Designing risk refinement and mitigation strategies 
• Dossier preparation and submission to regulatory authorities 

Partner with Battelle 

By partnering with Battelle, you can benefit from our expertise and innovative solutions to address the challenges of TP identification and risk assessment. Our comprehensive approach will help you ensure the safety of your products and navigate regulatory requirements effectively. 

Download our white paper to learn more about the specific analytical challenges for metabolite identification (Met ID) and TPs in new water treatment guidance.