Investigations on the Complexation of Heavy Metals with Humic Substances in Estuaries

The solubility of a coal humic acid and the sorption of heavy metals (Cu(II), Zn(II), Co(II), and Cd(II)) in the absence and presence of the humic acid were determined as a function of pH and concentration of background electrolyte. The solubility of the humic acid at low electrolyte concentration increases in a 2-step process with increase in pH. About 80% dissolves in the pH region 3–8·5, and the remainder in the region pH >8·5. The sorption of metals occurs at pH values significantly lower than those associated with the formation of insoluble metal hydroxides, with a maximum occurring in the pH region 5·5–7·5, and involves the solid state fraction of the humic acid. At the higher electrolyte concentration, the solubility of the humic acid is again a 2-step process but the increase in acid solution occurs over a relatively narrow pH range (5–6). At high pH, the presence of the humic acid significantly reduces the precipitation of the metals at both low and high salt concentration, probably due to the formation of soluble metal–humate species. There is evidence to suggest that the major functional group of the humic acid with which the metal cations interact is the carboxyl group.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

customersupport@researchsolutions.com

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Investigations on the Complexation of Heavy Metals with Humic Substances in Estuaries

Cited by 2 publications

References 2 publications

Migration of elemental mercury through soil from simulated burial sites

Migration of elemental mercury through soil from simulated burial sites

The interaction of a humic acid with heavy metals

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About