The book provides an in-depth review of the state of the art of NMR spectroscopy as applied to a wide range of geochemical problems. It is intended to assist geochemists and spectroscopists working at the interface between geochemistry and NMR, and almost all areas of organic and inorganic geochemistry where NMR has had an influence are discussed.

Written by distinguished researchers, the long-running Chemistry and Physics of Carbon series provides a comprehensive and critical overview of carbon materials in terms of molecular structure, intermolecular relationships, bulk and surface properties, and their behavior in current and emerging applications. Volume 31 not only retains the high-qual

Soil ecology is the study of the interactions among soil organisms, and between biotic and abiotic aspects of the soil environment. It is particularly concerned with the cycling of nutrients, formation and stabilisation of the pore structure, the spread and vitality of pathogens, and the biodiversity of this rich biological community. This new book presents the latest research in the field from around the world.

Reporting on front-line research into these natural materials, this volume focuses on the use of chemical and physical methodology in seeking an explanation of the structures of humic substances (HSs) and their relation to their microscopic properties.

Refractory organic substances (ROS) are an essential part of the biogeochemical carbon cycle. Wherever there is life on earth, there will also be ROS in the form of poorly biodegradable leftovers of organisms and as a source for new life. Furthermore, it is now beyond doubt that ROS are closely related to the carbon intensity identified as one of the driving forces in the dynamics of green house gas emission, such that ROS play a key role in sustainable development. 'Refractory Organic Substances in the Environment' provides the results of six years of top-priority research, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). This research program investigated the structure and function of ROS in different parts of the environment, from a chemical, physical, biological, and soil scientific point of view. It included the first systematic study of a set of reference samples from Central Europe, originating from a bog lake, soil seepage water, groundwater, and from the wastewaters of a brown coal processing plant and a secondary effluent. Thus, this work not only highlights the structural features obtained from the application of advanced analytical tools, but also the function in anthropogenically influenced aquatic systems and soils. Of special interest to students and researchers in life sciences.

Trace Elements in Coal focuses on the compositions, reactions, and properties of trace elements in coal. The book first discusses the origin of trace elements in coal. The formation of peat; geological and geochemical aspects of coal seams; geology of Australian coals; constitution of coal; history of trace elements in coal; and coal mining in Australia are discussed. The text also clarifies the mode of occurrence of trace elements in coal. The identification of minerals in coal; silicon-rich minerals; carbonate minerals; sulfide minerals; lignites and brown coals; and phosphates are discussed. The book then underscores the methods of analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry; atomic absorption spectrometry; spark source mass spectrometry; and neuron activation analysis are described. The text also focuses on the contents of trace elements in coal; comparisons of coal with shale and soil; relationship of radioactivity and coal; and relevance of trace elements in coal. The book is a good source of data for readers wanting to study the trace elements in coal.

This book demonstrates the usefulness of NMR spectroscopy for a wide variety of applications in environmental science and technology. It contains a wealth of information relating to instrumentation, sample preparation, and data interpretation. The book is divided into three sectionsdiscussing contaminant interaction, solution and condensed-phase characterization, and nutrients and natural organic matter characterization. In addition to these in-depth chapters, an introductory overview provides the basic principles of solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Each sectionalso contains a discussion of advances in each area directly attributable to NMR spectroscopy. A final chapter suggests future directions for the deployment of this powerful technology in environmental science.