Humic substances (HS), including soluble fulvic acids (FA), are commonly occurring pollutants, particularly in surface waters. HS were considered as substances, which are harmless for humans until now. They were mainly removed from the water because of turbidity, color and as a source of odor. HS in the process oxidation and disinfection are precursors of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. Because of this, an analysis has been conducted, discussing their construction, properties and methods used of their disposal.

Humic substances (HS), including soluble fulvic acids (FA), are commonly occurring pollutants, particularly in surface waters. HS were considered as substances, which are harmless for humans until now. They were mainly removed from the water because of turbidity, color and as a source of odor. HS in the process oxidation and disinfection are precursors of carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. Because of this, an analysis has been conducted, discussing their construction, properties and methods used of their disposal.