As biomaterials that are of vital importance to the productivity, health and
safety of the world's land and water, humic substances are increasingly in the
scientific spotlight. However, their structures remain something of a mystery.
This book, with its molecular approach, brings the reader right up to date with
current research, the key features being advanced analytical methods and
physical measurements. Spectroscopic and mass-based approaches, in particular
quantitative NMR, are discussed in detail as a means of attempting to understand
the structures of these complex substances. Chromatographic techniques,
including fluorescent fractionation, are also described. The use of coal-based
humic substances for soil enhancement, water purification and soil remediation
as