Effect of an addition of sodium sulfite on the mutagenicity of chlorinated solutions of aquatic humic substances

The aim of this study was to understand better the effects of dechlorination treatments with S IV species and especially sodium sulfite (Na 2 SO 3 ) on the mutagenic activity of chlorinated drinking water. For this purpose, laboratory experiments were carried out with aqueous solutions of isolated aquatic humic substances. These compounds account for the bulk of organic matter present in most surface waters and are known to be precursors of many of the mutagens and halogenated organics which are produced during the chlorination stage in drinking water treatment