Application of non-target screening by high-resolution mass spectrometry to identification and control of new contaminants: Implications for sustainable industrial development

Industrial production is the foundation of national infrastructure and economic development, but also brings about environmental pollution as well as other related problems. Since the detection of dioxins in flue gases and fly ash emitted by waste incineration in 1977, research on dioxin emissions, environmental impact, and control technologies and principles—in industries such as incineration and metallurgy—has been ongoing for nearly 50 years. However, research on new pollutants released by industry remains lacking. Although there are case studies on new pollutants (such as hexachlorobutadiene and polychlorinated naphthalenes) from industrial processes such as incineration, comprehensive identification and understanding remains lacking. Non-target screening by high-resolution mass spectrometry has developed rapidly in recent years. The ultra-high resolution of mass spectrometry connected to chromatography could facilitate comprehensive identification of hundreds of thousands of pollutants unintentionally formed during industrial activities, which thus further advance the recognition of industrial emissions by stack gas or solid residues, such as fly ash. The breakthrough screening technique by high resolution mass spectrometry is expected to be used in identification, toxicity and risk assessment, as well as emissions control of new industrial pollutants. Such technology is promising in terms of supporting sustainable industrial development.