The study of the elemental composition of humic acids of sapropels of lakes of the upper and Middle Priobye of West Siberia

Abstract

Background and Objective: For the first time, the elemental composition of humic acids (HA) of sapropel of lakes of the Middle Priobye and the southern Ob-Irtysh basin of West Siberia, formed in different hydrothermal and environmental conditions. Specific features of their elemental composition that are evident in the content of elements, the atomic relations, and the degree of oxidation, indicating the ratio of aromatic and aliphatic parts, and the conditions in which the process of humification carries have been identified. HA of sapropels of the Novosibirsk region is almost two times higher than nitrogen content of HA of sapropels of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. Materials and Methods: It is established that HA of sapropels of the southern part of West Siberia have the relations H/C vary from 0.83 to 1.19, and in the Middle Priobye vary from of 0.87 to 1.24, that argues for the less degree of aromaticity (or “benzoidnost” in Russian) (α), the “maturity” of macromolecules in the taiga region. Results: The found values of the degree of oxidation ω indicate that HA of sapropels have restored form and a negative value of ω with the exception of HA of sapropels of some lakes of the Middle Priobye, where there are also the oxidized forms and the positive values of ω. The results can be used for large-scale evaluation of sapropel fields, serve as a source of information for producing humic preparations. Research is needed to develop technology of production of new products for agriculture, medicine, and technology. Principles of analysis of HA can be used by students, young professionals, teachers, and researchers in scientific research institutes, universities. Conclusion: Thus, we can assume based on the study of the elemental composition of HA of sapropels of lakes of the Middle Priobye and south of the Ob-Irtysh basin of West Siberia, that their composition and properties are caused to some extent not only by hydrothermal conditions and typology of lakes but also the type of anthropogenic load, the influence of oil production in the northern region.