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Complexion between mercury and humic substances from different landfill stabilization processes and its implication
Xiaoli Chai1, Guixiang Liu, Xin Zhao
1The State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China. xlchai@mail.tongji.edu.cn
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|January 31, 2012
Summary
This study used 3D EEM fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze humic substances (HS) from landfills. Fulvic acid (FA) showed higher Hg(II)-binding capacity than humic acid (HA), especially in early stages.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Humic substances (HS) are crucial in environmental processes.
- Understanding Hg(II) binding to HS is vital for contaminant remediation.
- Landfill stabilization processes alter HS structure and properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate structural properties of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) using 3D EEM fluorescence.
- Determine Hg(II)-binding behavior of HA and FA under different landfill stabilization stages.
- Compare the Hg(II)-complexing capacities of HA and FA.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Extraction of humic substances (HA and FA) from landfill samples.
- Analysis of fluorescence properties and Hg(II) interactions.
Main Results:
- HA fluorescence showed peaks at Ex/Em=440/500 nm and 380/460 nm, with protein-like structures emerging over time.
- FA exhibited strong fluorescence at Ex/Em=330/440 nm (peak C).
- FA demonstrated significantly higher Hg(II)-complexing capacity than HA, attributed to carboxylic groups, particularly in early landfill stages.
Conclusions:
- Fulvic acid (FA) plays a key role in binding Hg(II) during early landfill stabilization.
- Abundant O-ligands in humic acid (HA) determine its Hg(II) binding stability.
- Hg(II)-complexing capacity of HA decreases as landfill stabilization progresses.
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