Analytical challenges in the research of structure and functionality of humic substances from surface water

Abstract

The study of humic substances faces great analytical challenges due both to the substantial temporal and spatial variations found in nature, and the complexity of humic matter itself. The most significant features of humic matter are their size and the lack of a well-defined structure. This poses challenges on all analytical levels in humic research, from instrument performance to the interpretation of the structure and functionality of natural organic carbon. In this dissertation different analytical challenges in the research of humic matter structure and functionality are presented. Two articles cover critical evaluations of two common methods: The analysis of total organic carbon by high-temperature catalytic combustion and the XAD8-fractionation of humic matter. A third article covers the use of various structural information to evaluate the quality of residual organic matter in Chitosan treated drinking water, and the last article discuss the effect of forest liming on mobility and structure of humic matter using different approaches in combination.