High-resolution mass spectrometry to advance DBP research

In recent years, HRMS has been widely applied in the field of water disinfection and DBP research. Its use has enabled not only DBP discovery but also the identification of DBP precursors and the elucidation of DBP formation mechanisms and toxicity modes of action. The present manuscript overviews the most recent (mainly from 2023 to present) HRMS-based applications, and discusses main innovations, limitations, challenges, and knowledge gaps to inspire future research in the field. • HRMS has contributed to DBP research. • Innovations in sample pretreatment and analysis reduced the unknown chemical space. • Machine learning models have been incorporated in HRMS data mining. • Effect directed analysis aids in the discovery of toxic fractions, but identification of toxicity drivers is still challenging.