Chemical character of humic acids isolated from raised bog
in-vitro Grade D 2008 n=10 Open access
Authors: Gierlach-Hładoń, T., Szajdak, L.
Journal: Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress (Peat Balneology section) : 294-296
Search for this paper →
No verified direct link on file for this source.
Key Findings
- Peat sampled from a raised bog near Kołobrzeg, Poland (Eriophorum-Sphagnum peat, 2m depth, 50% decomposition, pH 4.0)
- Bulk peat composition: humic acid 47.9% dry weight, ash 5.2%, water 90.1%
- Peat-derived humic acid had a smaller specific surface area and pore volume than commercial standard humic acid, but a larger pore diameter
- Total sorption capacity of the isolated humic acid was 120% higher than that of whole peat
- Ion-exchange capacity of the isolated humic acid was 202% higher than that of whole peat
- Conclusion: peat's ion-exchange and sorption properties are almost entirely determined by its humic acid fraction, not other organic matter
A physicochemical characterization of humic acids isolated from a Polish raised bog used in balneological treatment of rheumatic disease. Its key finding is that humic acid accounts for nearly all of whole peat’s ion-exchange and mineral-sorption capacity — over twice the ion-exchange capacity and more than double the sorption capacity of the whole peat it was extracted from — confirming humic acid as the primary carrier of peat’s mineral-binding properties. This sample’s humic acid content (47.9% dry weight) sits above the range typically cited for peat generally and likely reflects this particular deposit rather than a broader correction.
humic-acidsorption-capacityion-exchangechelationphysicochemical