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....