Fractionation of mutagenic compounds formed during chlorination of humic water.

Mutagenic compounds formed during chlorination of humic water were fractionated by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography and thin layer chromatography, in sequence. Following each chromatographic separation the mutagenic compounds were found in one fraction predominantly. A remarkable purification of active compounds was achieved without serious losses of activity, thus enabling further purification and mass spectrometric studies of the main mutagens.