Humic substances are everywhere; in plants, soils and water. These brown materials are the most versatile and widely dispersed organic compounds on Earth. Studies of humic substances sustain all current efforts to bioremediate and purify water, develop and support sustainable agriculture, decontaminate polluted soil, and combat soul desertification and erosion.

Taken from the 2004 Humic Substances Seminar VII held at Northeastern University, this selection of expert papers investigate the important functions of humic substances, focusing on water treatment and land preservation....

Humic substances, the remarkable brown biomaterials in animals, coals, plants, sediments, soils and waters, are crucial components of the carbon cycle and other life processes. Thus greater knowledge and understanding of these versatile materials is of great importance to the productivity, health and safety of the world's ecosystems, humans, land and water. Presenting the best and most recent research in this important area, this book focuses on the molecular and chemical aspects of humic substances, with sophisticated analytical, chemical and physical techniques providing vital information....