Studies on the precursors of strong mutagen [3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone]MX by chlorination of fractions from different waters

The strong mutagen, [3-chloro-4-(dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone] MX, was found to be one of the most potent mutagens in drinking water. In this study, dissolved organic matters from river water and lake water were separated into several compound classes by sorbtion on a series of resin absorbents. After chlorine treatment of the fractions, MX was determined with GC/MS in the selected ion monitoring mode. Humic substances produced more MX on a TOC-basis than other fractions and contributed more to MX formation in the chlorinated natural waters. Some phenols were detected in the oxidation products of humic substances and therefore formation of MX may occur when some phenolic precursor structures in humic substances are treated with chlorine.