Book excerpt: An up-to-date resource on natural nonliving organic matter Bringing together world-renowned researchers to explore natural nonliving organic matter (NOM) and its chemical, biological, and ecological importance, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems offers an integrated view of the dynamics and processes of NOM. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive treatment encompassing all the formation processes, properties, reactions, environments, and analytical techniques associated with the latest research on NOM. After briefly outlining the historical background, current ideas, and future prospects of the study of NOM, the coverage examines: The formation mechanisms of humic substances Organo-clay complexes The effects of organic matter amendment Black carbon in the environment Carbon sequestration and dynamics in soil Biological activities of humic substances Dissolved organic matter Humic substances in the rhizosphere Marine organic matter Organic matter in atmospheric particles In addition to the above topics, the coverage includes such relevant analytical techniques as separation technology; analytical pyrolysis and soft-ionization mass spectrometry; nuclear magnetic resonance; EPR, FTIR, Raman, UV-visible adsorption, fluorescence, and X-ray spectroscopies; and thermal analysis. Hundreds of illustrations and photographs further illuminate the various chapters. An essential resource for both students and professionals in environmental science, environmental engineering, water science, soil science, geology, and environmental chemistry, Biophysico-Chemical Processes Involving Natural Nonliving Organic Matter in Environmental Systems provides a unique combination of the latest discoveries, developments, and future prospects in this field.