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Updated: Oct 30, 2025

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Published on: March 18, 2022
EPR Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize the Maturity Degree of Humic Acids
Bozena Debska1, Ewa Spychaj-Fabisiak1, Wiesław Szulc2
1Department of Biogeochemistry and Soil Sciences, University of Science and Technology, 6 Bernardynska St., 85-029 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Humic acids (HAs) from different origins show distinct properties detectable by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Forest soil HAs exhibit higher spin concentration and narrower EPR spectra compared to plant-derived HAs.
Area of Science:
- Soil Science
- Biochemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Humic acids (HAs) are key indicators of soil fertility and productivity, derived from organic matter decomposition.
- HA properties are influenced by climate, soil, and anthropogenic factors like soil management practices.
- Understanding HA origins is crucial for assessing their role in soil health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate humic acids (HAs) from wheat and thuja plant materials using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.
- To analyze the impact of HA origin on their structural and spectral properties.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of HAs from forest soil and incubated plant materials (wheat straw, roots, with/without soil).
- Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was employed to analyze HA samples.
- Numerical analysis of EPR spectra, including deconvolution into Lorentzian and Gaussian components.
Main Results:
- EPR spectra of HAs were successfully deconvoluted, revealing distinct components.
- The origin of HAs significantly impacts the parameters of their EPR spectra.
- HAs from forest soils showed higher spin concentration and narrower peak-to-peak width compared to plant-derived HAs.
Conclusions:
- The origin of humic acids is a critical factor determining their EPR spectral characteristics.
- EPR spectroscopy is a valuable tool for differentiating HAs based on their source material.
- Findings contribute to understanding HA variability and its implications for soil science.
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