Soil Organics. I. Complexation of Heavy Metals.

摘要

Organic matter such as humic substances (e.g. fulvic and humic acids) is discussed. Complexation of these acids with heavy metal ions is especially emphasized and the fundamental background of multiple equilibria is presented in this connection. Ion exchange and titration methods are considered with respect to their use for the determination of complex stability constants. The relative importance of organic and inorganic matter in soils is emphasized. The composition of wastewaters with a view to their purification by irrigation of soils is indicated. A general overview is given of humic substances with respect to their role in soil irrigation by wastewaters. Possible research areas are also indicated. The role of organic matter with respect to water retention is discussed on the basis of water structure near polyelectrolytes.