Characterization of aquatic humic substances

Abstract

Abstract Aquatic natural organic matter (NOM) is composed of a large variety of compounds. In this study, NOM from Uzquiza Reservoir in Burgos (Spain) was fractionated using a resin adsorption procedure, and three humic substances – natural fulvic and humic acids (NFA and NHA, respectively) extracted from the mentioned reservoir and a commercially supplied humic acid (CHA) – were characterized by molecular weight (MW) distribution, elemental composition, organic acidity and ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that Uzquiza Reservoir NOM is mainly composed of fulvic acids (45%) and low MW hydrophilic acids (27%). MWs obtained are in the following order: CHA (4500 Da)>NHA (2500 Da)>NFA (1000 Da). Both humic acids (CHA and NHA) have the highest specific UV absorbance values (SUVA, an aromaticity indicator) whereas NFA shows a higher total and carboxylic acidity, which is in accordance with its higher solubility in water. Infrared spectra confirm these results.