HOW HUMATES ARE USED TO REMEDIATE & REVERSE TOXICITY:
The large, negatively charged molecules of humic acid present in humates, have numerous active sites that can bind to positively charged toxins, effectively trapping them. Humates can help regulate soil pH, which can influence the mobility and toxicity of certain contaminants. By providing a carbon source, humates can promote the growth of beneficial microbes that further degrade complex pollutants. Humates can be used to remediate contaminated soil, water and even waste streams by adding humates directly to the affected area. Humic acids have been shown to have therapeutic effects, and thus their abundance is advantageous.67 HAs can act as unique ligands and display chelating activities to metal ions. Chelating agents have the ability to form a ring-like structure around metal ions; this changes both the properties and bioavailability of the metal ions. Chelation is used to treat metal poisoning because the ring-like structures make it easier for the body to excrete metals through the kidneys or liver.
Arsenic
Common sources of exposure to higher-than-average levels of arsenic include near or in hazardous waste sites and areas with high levels naturally occurring in soil, rocks, and water. Exposure to high levels of arsenic can cause death.
Beryllium
Elemental beryllium has a wide variety of applications. Occupational exposure most often occurs in mining, extraction, and in the processing of alloy metals containing beryllium. Beryllium can cause sensitization, lung and skin disease in a significant percentage of exposed workers.
Cadmium
Cadmium is an extremely toxic metal commonly found in industrial workplaces, particularly where any ore is being processed or smelted. Several deaths from acute exposure have occurred among welders who have unsuspectingly welded on cadmium-containing alloys or with silver solders.
Hexavalent Chromium
Calcium chromate, chromium trioxide, lead chromate, strontium chromate, and zinc chromate are known human carcinogens. An increase in the incidence of lung cancer has been observed among workers in industries that produce chromate and manufacture pigments containing chromate.
Lead
Occupational exposure to lead is one of the most prevalent overexposures. Industries with high potential exposures include construction work, most smelter operations, radiator repair shops, and firing ranges.
Mercury
Common sources of mercury exposure include mining, production, and transportation of mercury, as well as mining and refining of gold and silver ores. High mercury exposure results in permanent nervous system and kidney damage.
EFFECTS ON TOXINS IN WATER
Carbonaceous materials such as humates have been used for adsorption of various environmental contaminants.
BIODEGRATION OF OIL SPILLS
Two elements of humate, humic acid and fulvic acid, have been examined to determine their suitability as a remediator of oil and salt contaminated soils. Humic acids alter oil into fatty acids and sugars through chemical reaction and stimulating microbial activity. Humic acids from the soil are excellent pollutant sinks.