Higher photochemical production of bromophenol by quinone-like substances extracted from humic substances using a new emodin-imprinted polymer

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in waters, soils, sediments, and organic waste is considered to have major role in the photochemical generation of emerging organobromine contaminants, yet mechanisms are unclear. Here we fractionated soil humic acids into bound quinone-like substances and an effluent fraction, using a new emodin-imprinted polymer. We tested the effect of these fractions on the photobromination of phenol with bromide. Results show that quinone-like substances induce three times more bromophenols than the effluent fraction. Our findings reveal a new method to separate reactive compounds from DOM and imply that formation of organobromine contaminants may be controlled by the composition of organic matter.