NanoGene assay is a magnetic bead and quantum dot nanoparticles based gene quantification assay. It relies on a set of probe and signaling probe DNAs to capture the target DNA via hybridization. We have demonstrated the inhibition resistance of the NanoGene assay using humic acids laden genomic DNA (gDNA). At 1 μg of humic acid per mL, quantitiative PCR (qPCR) was inhibited to 0% of its quantif...

A batch photoreactor was used to evaluate the UV/H2O2 oxidation process for the removal of humic acids in water. A 450-W UV lamp with high-pressure mercury vapor was employed as the light source. The residues of humic acids and hydrogen peroxide were measured for assessment of process performance and understanding of process reaction behavior. The UV photolysis alone can play an important role ...

Humic acids and clays are important soil components that influence the sorption and desorption of organic contaminants; however, it is unclear how humic acids influence the sorption of organic contaminants onto clays and their subsequent desorption. Sorption and desorption of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) by and from humic acid-modified K(+)- and Ca(2+)-montmorillonite and -illite were comp...

The biological and chemical potential for electron shuttling via humic acids was evaluated by analyzing the depth distribution of humic-acid-reducing and iron-reducing bacteria in a freshwater sediment, and correlating it to the redox characteristics of humic acids and iron. Physicochemical analysis of profundal sediments of Lake Constance revealed a distinct stratification, with oxygen respira...

Numerous studies have shown the ability of humic substances to improve plant development. This action is normally reflected in an enhancement of crop yields and quality. However, the mechanisms responsible for this action of humic substances remain rather unknown. Our studies have shown that the shoot promoting action of sedimentary humic acids is dependent of its ability to increase root hydra...

Currently with the progression of the pollution in water sources, considerable attention has been given to the application of membrane filtration technology using microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes to the surface water treatment as an alternative to conventional coagulation sedimentation and sand filtration. The microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes are appropriate for complet...

The interactions between earthworms and microorganisms can produce significant quantities of plant growth hormones and humic acids which act as plant regulators. Experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of humic acids extracted from vermicompost and compare them with the action of commercial humic acid in combination with a commercial plant growth hormone, indole acetic acid (IAA) whic...

Soil pollution by the presence of different contaminants (e.g. heavy metal ions or pesticides) is one of the biggest problems worldwide. The positive affinity of natural humic acids towards these contaminants might contribute to the soil and ground water protection; therefore it is necessary to study the reactivity and barrier properties of humic acids. An original reactivity-mapping tool based...

The aim of this work is to explore the suitability of the complementary use of mass spectra and the corresponding statistical analysis (principal components-Pareto analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA)) of these spectra to differentiate diverse humic samples as a function of their structural and conformational features. To this end, the mass spectra of humic samples belonging to the mai...

Vermitechnology is an effective composting method, which transforms biomass into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. Mature vermicompost is a renewable organic product containing humic substances with high biological activity. The aim of this study was to assess the chemical characteristics and the bioactivity of humic acids isolated from different vermicomposts produced with either cattle manure...