The AOX (adsorbable organic halogens) problem in wool shrinkproofing effluents has attracted more attention in recent years. The probable origins and structures of AOX compounds were proved by the reaction of DCCA with the model substances of different amino acid residues.The GC-MS results indicated that available chlorine could chlorinate the side chain of tyrosine, histidine and trypotophan and generate AOX load in the effluent.