IDENTIFICATION OF HALOGENATED COMPOUNDS PRODUCED BY CHLORINATION OF HUMIC-ACID IN THE PRESENCE OF BROMIDE

The formation of halogenated compounds by chlorination of humic acid w ith and without bromide present was compared. The presence of bromide ion results in the production of many brominated and mixed bromo-chlor o compounds. Trihalomethanes, halogenated aliphatic acids and diacids, and trihalomethane precursors are major products. The presence and id entity of the halogenated compounds were also confirmed by the use of an atomic emission detector. The mutagenic activity was determined and shown to be 2-3 times higher when bromide is present during chlorinat ion.