Humic substances are everywhere; in plants, soils and water. These brown materials are the most versatile and widely dispersed organic compounds on Earth. Studies of humic substances sustain all current efforts to bioremediate and purify water, develop and support sustainable agriculture, decontaminate polluted soil, and combat soul desertification and erosion. Taken from the 2004 Humic Substances Seminar VII held at Northeastern University, this selection of expert papers investigate the important functions of humic substances, focusing on water treatment and land preservation. Reflecting the work of an international host of scientists, this book describes how researchers from many disciplines are working to link humic substances structures to their many crucial functions in land and water conservation. Reporting on the latest analytical advances and information for understanding humic substances, this book will be of great interest to a wide range of readers from graduate students and professional biologists to soil scientists and engineers.