Characterization of humic substances using chemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic techniques

Chemical, chromatographic, and spectroscopic techniques were used in this research to study and characterize humic substances (HS) of different origin (aquatic and terrestrial), geographical source (Nordic Aquatic, Suwannee River, Peat, and Soil), and type (fulvic and humic acids). Such research will develop a better understanding of the interaction between HS and water disinfectants.; Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) was used in the literature as a qualitative tool to identify the nature of HS. In this research SFS was used as a qualitative and a quantitative tool that allowed better characterization of HS than by using ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UVA). SFS also permitted the quantification of the fluorescing components of HS, and the differentiation among water from different sources.; The research demonstrated that the difference in the origin, geographical source and type of HS affected dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UVA, SFS, and trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP). Results suggest that the nature and character of HS must be considered during the drinking water monitoring process to minimize variability of data, resulting in an effective water treatment.; Activated carbon is used by most water utilities to reduce the levels of HS in raw drinking water. Results demonstrated that HS undergo either similar or different adsorption processes depending on the character and nature of HS. Use of sorption isotherms showed preferential adsorption by activated carbon of the components of HS responsible for DOC, UVA, SFS and THMFP.; Fractionation of HS using thin layer chromatography (TLC) resulted in the most purified subfractions found in the literature. Some fractions were identified as proteinaceous, fulvic, or humic like material. The proteinaceous fraction isolated by TLC demonstrated potential for forming THMs, suggesting the need to adjust the monitoring techniques used by water systems to account for the proteinaceous material present and its contribution to THMs.