Preparative isolation of aquatic humic substances

The use is reported of macroporous resins to obtain preparative quantities of low-ash, aquatic humic substances by adsorption chromatography, ion exchange and lyophilization. Multiple cycles of adsorption and desorption are used to concentrate aquatic humus from water and to separate it from inorganic solutes and non-acidic organic compounds. Preparative amounts of humic substances were concentrated from original concentrations of less than 50 ug dissolved organic carbon per litre in ground water. Results of applying the method to river and ground waters in Florida, Georgia and Colorado are presented.