Humic Substances: Structure, Function, Effects and Applications

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rupiasih, Ni Nyoman | Vidyasagar, Pandit B.

Affiliations: Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Pune Ganeshkhind, Pune-411007, India

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: pbv@physics.unipune.ernet.in

Abstract: Humic substances (HS) are organic matters formed during the physical, chemical and microbiological transformation process of dead tissue of animal and plant. It is present ubiquitously in soil, sediments and aquatic environment. HS contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen with small amount of sulfur. These elements are always present regardless of their origin and country. The macromolecular structures of HS are highly sensitive to different chemical conditions of solution. Their reactivity in an environment depends on the functional groups, macromolecular structure and concentration. HS exhibit dual aspects. The presence of Humic Acid (HA) in a water supply is undesirable as they raise total organic pollution level, colour intensity, distinct absorbing capacity and chemical activities. They have capability to induce cytotoxicity for many mammalian cells and are cause factor of many diseases. On the other hand specific properties of HA products enable their application in agriculture, industry, environment and biomedicine.

Keywords: Humic substances, humic acid, fulvic acid, molecular spectroscopy, dual aspects

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 39-47, 2008