Hydrogels of Humic Acids - Experimental Model and Application Form

The thesis deals with a utilization of hydrogels made of humic acids in both basic and applied research of this valuable natural material. The attention is paid to an interaction between the humic gel and cupric ions as the model heavy metal. The main experimental part focuses on an optimation of simple laboratory diffusion methods which serve as an innovative tool for modeling pollutants’ transport in natural humic environments. Various techniques were used in order to determine a diffusion coefficient of cupric ions in humic gel; the value is closely linked with the studied interaction between solid content of the gel and the diffusing species. Consequently, the diffusivity can be used as a standard parameter for basic reactivity mapping studies concerning humic substances. The final chapter of the thesis deals with a preparation of mixed reversible hydrogels formed by a reaction between humic acids and chitosan. These materials represent a suitable colloidal form for humic acids’ industrial and agricultural applications