Abstract
A total of 123 humic acid isolates from terrestrial and marine, mostly North Sea, sources was analysed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The spectra were found to be strongly influenced by co-extracted clay minerals. After treatment with hydrofluoric acid the ash content of the isolates was reduced considerably. Interferences from inorganic compounds were also eliminated. IR spectra of humic acids of marine and terrestrial origin show characteristic differences only in the region below 2000 cm−1. Although marine humic acids tend to contain more protein-related functions, it is not possible to distinguish marine and terrestrial samples by FT-IR spectroscopy alone. A combination with other suitable parameters, e.g. IR and UV/Vis absorbance data (A270 nm/A407 nm), helps to specify different sources of humic materials.
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Fooken, U., Liebezeit, G. An IR study of humic acids isolated from sediments and soils. Senckenbergiana maritima 32, 183–189 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03043094
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03043094