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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Quantification of Humic and Fulvic Acids in Humate Ores, DOC, Humified Materials and Humic Substance-Containing Commercial Products
Published on: March 18, 2022
Differentiation Between Humic and Non-Humic Substances Using Alkaline Extraction and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
Lawrence Mayhew1, Amit Pratap Singh2, Peng Li3
1Independent Researcher, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA.
A new laboratory test accurately distinguishes genuine humic substances from fake ones. This method uses standard equipment to verify humified materials, protecting farmers from fraudulent products.
Area of Science:
- Soil Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Humic substances are key components of humic products, but their authenticity is difficult to verify.
- The lack of a practical test allows for the distribution of counterfeit humic materials to farmers.
- This poses a risk to agricultural practices relying on genuine humic substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable and practical laboratory test for identifying humified materials.
- The goal is to differentiate authentic humic substances from non-humic adulterants.
- This aims to ensure the quality and efficacy of commercial humic products.
Main Methods:
- A standardized extraction protocol (ISO 19822:2018) is used to prepare a neutralized extract.
- Dissolved organic matter concentration is determined, and the extract is diluted for UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Absorbance data (220-500 nm) are normalized and compared to a reference spectral curve for humic substances.
Main Results:
- The developed method successfully differentiated legitimate humic substances from non-humic adulterants.
- A multi-laboratory validation study confirmed the method's reliability (P ≤ 0.05).
- The technique proved effective in identifying fraudulent materials.
Conclusions:
- This novel method provides a reliable way to distinguish humic from non-humic substances.
- It is suitable for materials intended for commercial humic products and research applications.
- The test utilizes common laboratory procedures and equipment, making it accessible.
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