Abstract

One of the first studies of aquatic humic substances (AHS) was by Rook (1974), showing that the humic material is a natural precursor of organochlorine compounds formed by chlorination of natural waters. This new book by Rocha & Rosa about the characterization of AHS and its interactions with metals is a valuable contribution to researchers and students. The authors present a clear and well written introduction about the conventional classification, isolation, fractionation and characterization of AHS. The complexation capacity of AHS for metals is properly discussed in a self exploratory style. A special chapter on the reduction of Hg (II) by AHS suggests that humic material plays an important role in the cycle of mercury, particularly in Brazil. The book is recommended for beginning students in chemistry and environmental scientists engaged in the characterization of organic matter and its reactions in aquatic systems.

Authors
Julio C. Rocha
André H. Rosa