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Fulvic acid: modifier of metal-ion chemistry

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00103a723· OSTI ID:6750346

Fulvic acid, which is derived from the decay of plants and animals, is being studied for its role in the transport and toxicity of metal ions in soil and water. It is discussed in relation to the origin of humic substances and its interactions with metal ions. Techniques for investigating complexes of fulvic acid and metal ions are presented. They are separation and nonseparation analyses which are applied to speciation problems. The applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of both methods are presented. Separation of free and complexed metal ions can be done by chromatography, or with membranes that exclude the metal-ion complexes. Chromatographic techniques include liquid chromatography by size exclusion. Nonseparation techniques include voltametry and potentiometry, as well as fluorescence. A comparison of methods for calculation of the conditional stability constant K for complexes containing fulvic acid and copper (II) or cadmium (II) is presented.

Research Organization:
Geraghty and Miller, Inc., Syosset, NY
OSTI ID:
6750346
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:9; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English