A simple, efficient method for the separation of humic substances and DNA from environmental samples.

Three different gels (Sepharose 4B, Sephadex G-200, and Sephadex G-50) were evaluated as a means of removing humic contaminants from DNA extracts of environmental samples. Sepharose 4B gave superior separation of DNA from humics, and DNA purified in this way showed consistently greater amplification than DNA purified by the other materials.