Complementary Elucidation of the Molecular Characteristics of Groundwater Dissolved Organic Matter Using Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Negative- and Positive-Ion Electrospray Ionization

The formula assignment of the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry coupled with positive -ion electrospray ionization [ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS] is challenging because of the extensive occurrence of adducts. However, there is a paucity of automated formula assignment methods for ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS spectra. The novel automated formula assignment algorithm for ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS spectra developed herein has been applied to elucidate the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in groundwater during air-induced ferrous [Fe(II)] oxidation. The ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS spectra of groundwater DOM were profoundly impacted by [M + Na]+ adducts and, to a lesser extent, [M + K]+ adducts. Oxygen-poor and N-containing compounds were frequently detected when the FT-ICR MS was operated in the ESI(+) mode, while the components with higher carbon oxidation states were preferentially ionized in the negative-ion electrospray ionization [ESI(-)] mode. Values for the difference between double-bond equivalents and the number of oxygen atoms from -13 to 13 are proposed for the formula assignment of the ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS spectra of aquatic DOM. Furthermore, for the first time, the Fe(II)-mediated formation of highly toxic organic iodine species was reported in groundwater rich in Fe(II), iodide, and DOM. The results of this study not only shed light on the further algorithm development for comprehensive characterization of DOM by ESI(-)-FT-ICR MS and ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS but also highlight the importance of appropriate treatment of specific groundwater prior to use.

Automated summary

This study developed a novel automated formula assignment algorithm for ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS spectra to elucidate the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in groundwater rich in Fe(II). The results not only shed light on the further algorithm development for comprehensive characterization of DOM by ESI(-)-FT-ICR MS and ESI(+)-FT-ICR MS but also highlight the importance of appropriate treatment of specific groundwater prior to use.