This dissertation provides a fundamental investigation into the macromolecular mobility of "dry" and "solvent-containing" soil and sediment organic matter (SOM). It emphasizes an improved understanding of macromolecular mobility at the molecular level in an effort to link macroscopically observed glass transition behaviors to molecular structures of SOM. This work provides a foundation for extended experimental lab- and field-scale studies focusing on identifying characteristics of SOM macromolecular structure most responsible for influencing the fate and transport of contaminants in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

An up-to-date resource on natural nonliving organic matter Bringing together world-renowned researchers to explore natural nonliving organic matter (NOM) and its chemical, biological, and ecological importance, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems offers an integrated view of the dynamics and processes of NOM. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive treatment encompassing all the formation processes, properties, reactions, environments, and analytical techniques associated with the latest research on NOM. After briefly outlining the historical background, current ideas, and future prospects of the study of NOM, the coverage examines: The formation mechanisms of humic substances Organo-clay complexes The effects of organic matter amendment Black carbon in the environment Carbon sequestration and dynamics in soil Biological activities of humic substances Dissolved organic matter Humic substances in the rhizosphere Marine organic matter Organic matter in atmospheric particles In addition to the above topics, the coverage includes such relevant analytical techniques as separation technology; analytical pyrolysis and soft-ionization mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance; EPR, FTIR, Raman, UV-visible adsorption, fluorescence, and X-ray spectroscopies; and thermal analysis. Hundreds of illustrations and photographs further illuminate the various chapters. An essential resource for both students and professionals in environmental science, environmental engineering, water science, soil science, geology, and environmental chemistry, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems provides a unique combination of the latest discoveries, developments, and future prospects in this field.

Thermal analysis is an old technique. It has been neglected to some degree because developments of convenient methods of measurement have been slow and teaching of the understanding of the basics of thermal analysis is often wanting. Flexible, linear macromolecules, also not as accurately simply called polymers, make up the final, third, class of molecules which only was identified in 1920. Polymers have neverbeenfullyintegratedintothedisciplinesofscienceandengineering. Thisbook is designed to teach thermal analysis and the understanding of all materials, flexible macromolecules, as well as those of the small molecules and rigid macromolecules. The macroscopic tool of inquiry is thermal analysis, and the results are linked to microscopic molecular structure and motion. Measurements of heat and mass are the two roots of quantitative science. The macroscopic heat is connected to the microscopic atomic motion, while the macroscopic mass is linked to the microscopic atomic structure. The macroscopic unitsofmeasurementofheatandmassarethejouleandthegram,chosentobeeasily discernable by the human senses. The microscopic units of motion and structure are 12 10 the picosecond (10 seconds) and the ångstrom (10 meters), chosen to fit the atomic scales. One notes a factor of 10,000 between the two atomic units when expressed in “human” units, second and gram—with one gram being equal to one cubic centimeter when considering water. Perhaps this is the reason for the much better understanding and greater interest in the structure of materials, being closer to human experience when compared to molecular motion.

Humic substances are ubiquitous in the environment. These remarkable brown biomaterials are found in animals, plants, coals, sediments, soils and water. They are crucial components of the carbon cycle and other life processes. Humic Substances: Nature's Most Versatile Materials contains a compilation of papers presented at the 2002 Humic Substances Seminar and will keep humic substances scientists up to date with the latest research.

Electroanalytical chemists and others are concerned not only with the application of new and classical techniques to analytical problems, but also with the fundamental theoretical principles upon which these techniques are based. With the advent of nanotechnology and the drive to create sustainable eco-friendly products, electroanalytical technique