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Molecular beam techniques have been utilized to measure the dissociative chemisorption probability at zero surface coverage S0 for D2(H2) on Pt(111) as a function of initial energy Ei, angle of incidence θi, surface temperature Ts, isotopic mass and nozzle temperature Tn. S0 shows a large increase with translational energy, but no threshold in Ei, a peaking at θi=0°, and an independence with Ts, isotope and Tn. These results are interpreted in terms of direct dissociative chemisorption on the Pt(111) terraces. The dynamical picture that emerges is that although there is no significant barrier to dissociation along the minimum energy path, barriers do exist along nonoptimal reactive trajectories. Thus, the ‘‘translational activation’’ and other dynamical observations are intimately related to the multidimensional aspects of the dissociative potential energy surface. Some aspects of the dissociative chemisorption, however, still seem somewhat surprising within this general description.

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Humic substances (HSs) are the natural organic polyelectrolytes formed from the biochemical weathering of plant and animal remains. Their macromolecular structure and chemistry determine their role in biogeochemical processes. In situ spectromicroscopic evidence showed that the HS macromolecular structures (size and shape) vary as a function of HS origin (soil versus fluvial), solution chemistry, and the associated mineralogy. The HSs do not simply form coils in acidic or strong electrolyte solutions and elongated structures in dilute alkaline solutions. The macromolecular structural changes of HSs are likely to modify contaminant solubility, biotransformation, and the carbon cycle in soils and sediments.