Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A novel humic acid extraction procedure from Tunisian lignite

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The present study investigates the efficient extraction of humic acid (HA) from Tunisian lignite (TL). The extraction method was optimized using the full factorial design (FFD) based on the interactive effects of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium pyrophosphate (Na4P2O7) concentrations, extraction temperature, and agitation time as input factors. The output response was the absorbance ratio at 465 and 665 nm (E465/E665) of HA. Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR), was used for the characterization of TL-HA. Under optimized conditions (NaOH of 0.8 mol l−1, Na4P2O7 of 0.06 mol l−1, a temperature of 85 °C and an agitation time of 6 h), the obtained lignite-based fertilizer contains a high HA’s aromaticity degree as evidenced by the lower ratio (E465/E665) with a value equal to 1.34. The TL-HA characterization shows the predominance of OH, COOH, CH, C=C and COO groups, which are typical functional groups in humic substances. The effects of this new humic acid (HA) source on wheat germination and root elongation were investigated. The results showed that the wheat seeds germinated in HA fertilizer diluted 20 times produced high germination percentage. Indeed, the addition, of diluted HA, increased the elongation rate of the wheat roots up to 120% compared to the controls. The results of the present study might be useful for practical and commercial applications of this fertilizer based on its humification parameters and its conformity to Tunisian legislation. To investigate the limits of this alkali exaction method, large-scale processes experiments are still necessary.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ali H, Akbar Y, Razaq A, Muhammad D (2014) Effect of humic acid on root elongation and percent seed germination of wheat seeds. Intl J Agric Crop Sci 7(4):196–201

    Google Scholar 

  • Amanollah J, Asiye S (2016) Determination of humic acid by spectrophotometric analysis in the soils. Int J Adv Biotechnol Res 7:19–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Amir S, Hafidi M, Lemee L, Merlina G, Guiresse M, Pinelli E, Revel JC, Bailly JR, Ambles A (2006) Structural characterization of humic acids, extracted from sewage sludge during composting, by thermochemolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Process Biochem 41:410–422

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asing J, Wong NC, Lau S (2009) Optimization of extraction method and characterization of humic acid derived from coals and composts (Pengoptimuman kaedah pengekstrakan dan pencirian asid humik daripada arangbatu dan kompos). J Trop Agric Food Sci 37(2):211–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Asma L, Shermeen T, Zafar I, Ansar M, Muhammad A, Tariq MQ, Muhammad Y, Asif N (2013) Characterization of commercial humic acid samples and their impact on growth of fungi and plants. Soil Environ 32(1):63–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Barančíková G, Senesi N, Brunetti G (1997) Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of humic acids isolated from different Slovak soil types. Geoderma 78(3–4):251–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becket R (1987) Determination of molecular weight distributions of fulvic and humic acids using flow field-flow fractionation. Environ Sci Technol 2(1):289–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bohme M, Lue HT (1997) Influence of mineral and organic treatments in the photosphere on the growth of tomato plants. Acta Hortic 450:161–168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen G, Chen J, Srinivasakannan C, Peng J (2011) Application of response surface methodology for optimisation of the synthesis of synthetic rutile from Titania slag. Appl Surf Sci 258(7):3068–3073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chowdhury ZZ, Zain SM, Khan RA, Ahmad AA, Islam MS, Arami-Niya A (2011) Application of central composite design for preparation of Kenaf fiber-based activated carbon for adsorption of manganese(II) ion. Int J Phys Sci 6(31):7191–7202. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJPS11.1510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colombo C, Palumbo G, Sellitto VM, Cho HG, Amalfitano C, Adamo P (2015) Stability of coprecipitated natural humic acid and ferrous iron under oxidative conditions. J Geochem Explor 151:50–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dixit VK, Kishore N (1967) Effect of humic acid and fulvic acid fraction of soil organic matter on seed germination. Indian J Chem Sect A 1:202–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Dridi I, Arfaoui A (2017) Organic nitrogen distribution in seven Tunisian soil types under contrasting pedogenetic conditions. Environ Earth Sci 76:205. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6525-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Herradi EH, Soudi B, Naman F (2014) Valorisation des déchets ménagers par extraction des substances humiques. J Mater Environ Sci 5(5):1382–1389

    Google Scholar 

  • Fasurová N, Pospíšilová L, Pokorný E (2008) FTIR and SFS spectra of humic acids isolated from lignite and chernozem. Chem Listy 102(15):1147–1148

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia D, Cegarra J, Roig A (1994) Effects of the extraction on temperature on the characterization of a humic fertilizer obtained from lignite. Bioresour Technol 47:103–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goupy, Creighton L (2006) Introduction aux plans d’expériences-3ème édition, Dunod

  • Gunjeet K, Goutam R, Hemraj H, Amit KG (2012) Optimization of protocell of silica nanoparticles using 3 factorial designs. AAPS PharmSciTech 13(1):167–173. https://doi.org/10.1208/s12249-011-9741-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ismail T, Ayyildiz HF, Mustafa T, Fatmanur A, Aslan T, Hussain STS, Huseyin K (2015) Chemical and spectroscopic characterization of humic acid isolated from Ilgin lignite, Turkey. Inter J Sci Technol Res 1:176–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Khaled H, Fawy HA (2011) Effect of different levels of humic acids on the nutrient content, plant growth, and soil properties under conditions of salinity. Soil Water Res 6(1):21–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim HK, Kim JG, Cho JD, Hong JW (2003) Optimization and characterization of UV-curable adhesives for optical communications by response surface methodology. Polym Test 22:899–906. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9418(03)00038-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lubal P, Fetsch D, Siroky D, Lubalova M, Senkýr J, Havel J (2000) Potentiometric and spectroscopic study of uranyl complexation with humic acids. Talanta 51:977–991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lukic B, Panico A, Huguenot D, Fabbricino M, Van Hullebusch ED, Esposito G (2016) Evaluation of PAH removal efficiency in an artificial soil amended with different types of organic wastes. Euro Mediterr J Environ Integr. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-016-0001-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Masoumeh R, Roshanak RK, Anoushiravan MB, Ali E, Mahdi F, Samireh HN (2015) Experimental design approach to the optimization of PAHs bioremediation from artificially contaminated soil: application of variables screening development. J Environ Health Sci Eng 13:22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s402010150178y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mona Z, Zeeshan A, Javaid A, Khurram S, Naseer S, Shahid M (2017) Extraction and characterization of humic acid from Pakistani lignite coals. Energy Sources Part A Recov Util Environm Eff. https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2017.1307886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montgomery DC, Wiley J (2001) Design and analysis of engineering experiments. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Naman F, Brahim Soudi B, El Herradi E (2015) Extraction and characterization of humic substances in soils of the irrigated perimeter of Doukkala in Morocco. J Mater Environ Sci 6(9):2647–2654

    Google Scholar 

  • Niemeyer J, Chen Y, Bollag J-M (1992) Characterization of humic acids, composts, and peat by diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Soil Sci Soc Am J 56:135–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ohale PE, Uzoh CF, Onukwuli OD (2017) Optimal factor evaluation for the dissolution of alumina from Azaraegbelu clay in acid solution using RSM and ANN comparative analysis. S Afr J Chem Eng 24:43–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouni Y, GhnayT Montemurro F, Abdelly C, Lakhdar A (2014) The role of humic substances in mitigating the harmful effects of soil salinity and improve plant productivity. Int J Plant Prod 8:353–374

    Google Scholar 

  • Pettit RE (2004) Organic matter, humus, humate, humic acid, fulvic acid and humin: their importance in soil fertility and plant health. Research 1–15. http://www.humicgrowth.com/s/Texas-AM-Study.pdf

  • Peuravuori J, Zbankova P, Pihlaja K (2006) Aspects of structural features in lignite and lignite humic acids. Fuel Process Technol 84:23–36

    Google Scholar 

  • Prakash P, Chitradevi A, Anand TA, Arasu R, Narendrakumar G, Masilamani Selvam M (2014) Optimization of humic acid production using RSM-CCD, its characterization and applications on Vigna mungo. Int J ChemTechRes 6(2):1531–1537

    Google Scholar 

  • Radoslava M, van Tom M, Harro JB (2007) Changes in the sensitivity of parasitic weed seeds to germination stimulants. Seed Sci Res. https://doi.org/10.1079/ssr2004187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richard TL, Karen HT (2009) Critical comparison of humic acid test methods. Soil Sci Plant Anal 40(15–16):2309–2322. https://doi.org/10.1080/00103620903111251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Richard TL, Daniel C, Paul RB (2014) A new standardized method for quantification of humic and fulvic acids in humic ores and commercial products. J AOAC Int 97(3):721–730

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Senesi N, Miano TM, Provenzano MR, Brunetti G (1991) Characterization, differentiation, and classification of humic substances by fluorescence spectroscopy. Soil Sci 152(4):259–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharif M, Khattak RA, Sarir MS (2002a) Wheat yield and nutrients accumulation as affected by humic acid and chemical fertilizers. Sarhad J Agric 18:323–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharif M, Khattak RA, Sarir MS (2002b) Effect of different levels of lignitic coal derived humic acid on growth of maize plants. Commun Soil Sci Plants Anal 33:19–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sial MA, Dahot MU, Nisa Mangan B, Mangrio SM, Arain MA, Mazhar H (2007) Improvement of bread wheat for low water requirements through conventional and mutation breeding. Ann Agric Sci 45(2):607–619

    Google Scholar 

  • Smidova M (1962) Effect of sodium humate on swelling and germination of plant roots. Biol Plant 4:112–118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson FJ (1994) Humus chemistry: genesis, composition, reactions. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Tao J, Han GH, Zhang YB, Huang TF, Li GH, Guo YF, Yang YB (2011) Improving extraction yield of humic substances from lignite with anthraquinone in alkaline solution. J Cent South Univ Technol 18:68–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiqua SM, Tam NFY, Hodgkiss IJ (1996) Effects of composting on phytotoxicity of spent pig manure sawdust litter. Environ Pollut 93:249–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verlinden G, Coussens T, De Vliegher A, Baert G (2010) Effect of humic substances on nutrient uptake by herbage and on production and nutritive value of herbage from sown grass pastures. Grass Forage Sci 65:133–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xuenyuan G, Xiaorong W, ZhimanyG Lemei D, Yijun C (2001) Effect of humic acid speciation and bioavailability to wheat of rare earth elements in soil. Chem Spec Bioavailab 13:83–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang Y, Li Front H (2015) Recovering humic substances from the dewatering effluent of thermally treated sludge and its performance as an organic fertilizer. Front Env Sci Eng. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-015-0827-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zucconi F, Monaco A, Forte M, de Bertoldi M (1985) Phytotoxins during the stabilization of organic matter. In: Gasser JKR (ed) Composting of agricultural and other wastes. Applied Science Publishers, London, pp 737–785

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

Ahmed Wali is supported by a MOBIDOC Postdoctoral Fellowship under PASRI program (Projet d’Appui au Système de Recherche et de l’Innovation) funded by the EU and managed by the ANPR (Agence Nationale de Promotion de la Recherche Scientifique, Tunisia).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Ecotechnology, National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, Route de Soukra Km 3.5, Po. Box 1175, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia

    Ahmed Wali, Ines Ben Salah & Mohamed Ksibi

  2. Laboratoire de Catalyse et Synthèse en Chimie Organique, Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Tlemcen, B.P. 119, Tlemcen, Algeria

    Mostapha Zerrouki & Abderrahim Choukchou-Braham

  3. Vitalag Company, 17 résidence Elandalous Elmenzah 8, 2037, Tunis, Tunisia

    Youssef Kamoun

Authors
  1. Ahmed Wali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ines Ben Salah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mostapha Zerrouki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Abderrahim Choukchou-Braham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Youssef Kamoun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mohamed Ksibi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ahmed Wali.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest to disclose related to this work.

Additional information

Editorial handling: Sudip Chakraborty, Chief Editor.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Wali, A., Ben Salah, I., Zerrouki, M. et al. A novel humic acid extraction procedure from Tunisian lignite. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr 4, 24 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-019-0115-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-019-0115-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation