Spectroscopic and structural characterization of a fulvic acid from weathered coal

Abstract
The fulvic acid from weathered coal of Gongxian (Henan Province, P.R. China) is characterized as a typical sample with the highest degree of humification. Based on the experimental results from high‐resolution 1H NMR and FT‐IR spectra and correct fluorescence spectra, valuable information concerning its composition and structure has been revealed and discussed. Besides, it is suggested that D 751 chelating resin (crosslinked polystyrenes with iminodiacetic acid groups, Na+ form) is very effective for removing metal ions tightly complexed with fulvic and humic acids.