6533b829fe1ef96bd128abbe
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Surface Activity of Humic Substances Within Peat Profile
Oskars PurmalisMaris Klavinssubject
Surface tensionchemistry.chemical_classificationMolecular complexitygeographyPeatgeography.geographical_feature_categoryPulmonary surfactantChemistryEnvironmental chemistryHumic acidcomplex mixturesBogHumusdescription
Humic substances are able to reduce the surface tension of their solutions and thus can act as surface-active substances in natural environment and possibly also for industrial applications. The ability to influence the surface tension of humic substance solutions depends on their origin. The objective of this study is a comparison of the ability of humic substances from peat profile to influence the surface tension of their solutions and identification of the structural characteristics of peat humic acids, determining their surfactant properties. Humic acids isolated from peat demonstrated significant impact of the surface tension of their solutions – they act as weak surfactants. The surface tension of humic acid solutions decreased with increasing concentration, and it depends on the solution pH. The ability to influence the surface tension of peat humic acids isolated from a well-characterized bog profile demonstrates dependence on age and humification degree. With increase of the humification degree and age of humic acids, their molecular complexity and ability to influence surface tension decrease; even so, the impact of the biological precursor (peat-forming bryophytes and plants) can be identified.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-11-16 |