This research investigates the chemical oxidation of organic refractories with potassium permanganate by extracting soluble trace organic contaminants from a surface supply by a modified carbon filter technique to collect sizable quantities of the organic refractories. The organic materials thus separated from their natural environment were brought into the laboratory, characterized, and studied under controlled conditions. Permanganate oxidation of various organic refractories was investigated in deionized water and in modified natural river water systems. Specific quantities and types of organic refractories were reacted with permanganate under controlled conditions of pH, temperature, time, and concentration. Carbon chloroform extracts (CCE) and carbon alcohol extracts (CAE) were the two major groupings of organic refractories investigated.