On the binding capacity of peat to several metal ions of environmental and economic concern

A series of experiments was performed to characterize the metal binding properties of peat from the Jacarepagu bog and to provide basic knowledge on the sorption process. The kinetics of sorption was fast characterized by relaxation times, on the average, less than 60 min. Erichment factors taken at half saturation level ranged from 400 for zinc and cadmiun to > 2800 for gold. The results indicate that the peat from Jacarepagu can be an interesting option for the expensive conventional materials applied to recover metal ions from waste and poor mining waters.

Physicochemical characterization of humic acid extracted from vermicomposting obtained by animal manure

Humic acid extracted from vermicomposting (VHA), originated by animal manure and treated with Eisenia foetida or Lumbricus rubellus, was chemically characterized concernings its elemental composition, cation exchange capacity, carboxylic and phenolic acidity, molar absorption by UV-Vis spectroscopy, and main functional groups by FTIR spectrometry. Vermicompost is the stabilized product from vermicomposting. The isolated VHA was compared to other humic acid samples extracted from peat and from different soils. VHA presented a high nitrogen content. Due to low cost, large amount of raw material, and favorable climatic condiditons, vermicomposting may become a good alternative to produce fertilizers in Brazil.