HUMIC ACIDS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Humic acids, belonging to the humic substances, are the most reactive organic compounds in water, soil and sediments. They are known for their role in processes related to soil structure, biology, and chemistry, as well as for their effects on the behavior of environmental pollutants. The effects of humic acids on the environment are strongly influenced by their composition and structure. Humic acids are used in various fields, especially in agriculture, environmental remediation and medicine. Agricultural fertilizers containing humic acids as additives are often used to improve plant growth and soil fertility. The content of heavy metals, metalloids, radionuclides and various organic pollutants can be reduced by adsorption, complexation, and redox processes involving humic acids. Owing to the ability of humic acids to form composites with inorganic and organic oxides, pollutants are adsorbed and removed from water. In addition, the composites formed exhibit pronounced antibacterial activity in water. Various organic pollutants such as pesticides, microplastics and antibiotics can also be removed from soil and water by adsorption on the composites or humic acids. Various viruses with positively charged glycoproteins can be bound by the negatively charged humic acids, defining them as antivirally active. Currently, the humic acids are isolated from various matrices such as coals, peat and organic wastes. Due to the increasing requirements for the commercial applications of humic acids, their production and utilization are significantly important and trendy tasks. The humic acid production with the higher yield is the focus of research today.