Structurally bound lipids in peat humic acids

Humic acids from highly decomposed peat were subjected to oxidation with alkaline cupric oxide (CuO) at 170°C (single oxidation). Oxidation products were isolated as three fractions, oxidized humic acids, fulvic acids and lipophilic compounds. Isolated oxidized humic acids were subsequently re-oxidized (sequential oxidation) under the same conditions, and released lipophilic compounds were isolated. Lipids released during single and sequential oxidations were determined using capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Identified compounds accounted for 3.3 and 0.12 wt.% of humic acid content, respectively. Lipid profiles of lipophilic fractions released during single and sequential…