Electron Spin Resonance Analysis of Semiquinone Free Radicals of Aquatic and Soil Fulvic and Humic Acids

Abstract

We analyzed the solid state and aqueous solution electron spin resonance (esr) spectra of Oyster River and Podzol soil fulvic and humic acids. Because the aqueous solution esr spectra mimic the behavior of the model compound para-benzosemiquinone, we conclude that semiquinone free radicals predominate in fulvic acid. In addition a decrease in spin concentration at a potential of 0.20 volts (vs. SCE) demonstrates that the semiquinone radicals are at least partially responsible for the reducing capability of humic materials. From the above results we devised a quantitative semiquinone analysis for humic materials.