Responding to Extreme Weather with On-Site BTX Monitoring: Portable MIMS for Water Quality Assessment.

AbstractThe detection of Benzene, Toluene, and Xylenes (BTX) in water is critical for assessing pollution in aquatic environments, as these compounds pose significant environmental and public health risks. Traditional methods for BTX monitoring often require lab-based analysis, causing delays in obtaining actionable data. This study introduces an innovative use of portable Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) for the rapid, onsite detection of BTX. It provides a swift, efficient, and dependable method for real-time monitoring of environmental contaminants in waterways, particularly in the wake of natural catastrophes where immediate assessment of water quality is essential for mitigating further environmental damage and protecting public health.