[12] Lopez-Valdez F, Fernandez-Luqueno F, Luna-GuidoM L, MarschR, Olalde-Portugal V,

Dendooven L. Microorganisms in sewage sludge added to an extreme alkaline saline soil affect carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Applied Soil Ecology. 2010;45:225-231.

[13] Lakhdar A, Rabhi M, Ghnaya T, Montemurro F, Jedidi N, Abdelly C. Effectiveness of compost use in saltaffected soil. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2009;171:29-37.

[14] Nannipieri P, Ascher J, Ceccherini M T, Landi L, Pietramellara G, Renella G. Microbial diversity and soil functions. European Journal of Soil Science. 2003;54(4):655-670.

[15] Rajkumar M, Ae N, Prasad MN, Freitas H. Potential of siderophoreproducing bacteria for improving heavy metal phytoextraction. Trends in Biotechnology. 2010;28(3):142-149.

[16] Calvo P, Nelson L, Kloepper JW. Agricultural uses of plant biostimulants. Plant and Soil. 2014;383(1):3-41.

[17] Murphy DV, Stockdale EA, Brookes PC, Goulding KWT. Impact of

**15**

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine*

the effects of humic substances on soil-plant systems. Agrociencia Uruguay. 2012;Special Issue:189-190.

[24] Nardi S, Schiavon M, Francioso O. Chemical structure and biological activity of humic substances define their

role as plant growth promoters. Molecules. 2021;26:2256. https://doi. org/10.3390/molecules26082256

[25] Garcia AC, Santos LA, de Souza LGA, Tavares OCH, Zonta E, Gomes ETM. Vermicompost humic acids modulate the accumulation and metabolism of ROS in rice plants. Journal of Plant Physiology. 2016;192:56-63. DOI: 10.1155/2016/

[26] Sootahar MK, Zeng X, Wang Y, Su S, Soothar P, Bai L, Kumar M, Zhang Y, Mustafa A and Ye N. The short-term effects of mineral- and plant-derived fulvic acids on some selected soil properties: improvement in

the growth, yield, and mineral nutritional status of wheat (*Triticum aestivum* l.) under soils of contrasting textures. Plants. 2020;9(2):205. doi:10.3390/plants9020205.

[27] Cimrin KM, Yilmaz I. Humic acid applications to lettuce do not improve yield but do improve phosphorus availability. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. 2005;55(1):58-63.

[28] Celik H, Katkat, AV, Aşık BB, Turan MA. Effect of foliar-applied humic acid to dry weight and mineral nutrient uptake of maize under calcareous soil conditions.

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2010;42(1):29-38.

[29] Khaled H, Fawy HA. Effect of different levels of humic acids on the nutrient content, plant growth, and soil properties under conditions of salinity.

Soil and Water Research.

2011;6(1):21-29.

3747501.

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transformations in soil. In: Abbott LK, Murphy DV editors Soil Biological Fertility. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht; 2004. p.37-59. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-6619-1\_3

microorganisms on chemical

[18] Tikhonov VV, Yakushev AV, Zavgorodnyaya YA. Effects of humic acids on the growth of bacteria.

O'Connor, SM, Achenbach LA. Diversity and ubiquity of bacteria capable of utilizing humic substances as

electron donors for anaerobic

030087

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018-1916-4.

Eurasian Soil Science*.* 2010;43:305-313. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229310

[19] Coates JD, Cole KA, Chakraborty R,

respiration. Applied and Environmental Microbiology*.* 2002;68:2445-2452. doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.5.2445-2452.2002.

[20] Valenzuela EI, Cervantes FJ. The role of humic substances in mitigating greenhouse gases emissions: Current knowledge and research gaps. Science of the Total Environment. 2021;750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.

[21] Olk DC, Dinnes D, Scoresby JR, Callaway CR, Darlington JW. Humic products in agriculture: potential benefits and research challenges—a review. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-

[22] De Hita D, Fuentes M, Fernández V, Zamarreño AM, Olaetxea M and García-Mina JM Discriminating the short-term action of root and foliar application of humic acids on plant growth: emerging role of jasmonic acid. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020;11:493.

doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00493.

[23] Garcia-Mina JM, Mora V, Olaetxea M, Baigorri R, Fuentes M, Garnica M, San Francisco S, Erro J, Urrutia O, Casanova E, Lemenager D, Yvin JC. Main mechanisms involved in *Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

microorganisms on chemical transformations in soil. In: Abbott LK, Murphy DV editors Soil Biological Fertility. Springer Netherlands, Dordrecht; 2004. p.37-59. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4020-6619-1\_3

[18] Tikhonov VV, Yakushev AV, Zavgorodnyaya YA. Effects of humic acids on the growth of bacteria. Eurasian Soil Science*.* 2010;43:305-313. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229310 030087

[19] Coates JD, Cole KA, Chakraborty R, O'Connor, SM, Achenbach LA. Diversity and ubiquity of bacteria capable of utilizing humic substances as electron donors for anaerobic respiration. Applied and Environmental Microbiology*.* 2002;68:2445-2452. doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.5.2445-2452.2002.

[20] Valenzuela EI, Cervantes FJ. The role of humic substances in mitigating greenhouse gases emissions: Current knowledge and research gaps. Science of the Total Environment. 2021;750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv. 2020.141677.

[21] Olk DC, Dinnes D, Scoresby JR, Callaway CR, Darlington JW. Humic products in agriculture: potential benefits and research challenges—a review. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368- 018-1916-4.

[22] De Hita D, Fuentes M, Fernández V, Zamarreño AM, Olaetxea M and García-Mina JM Discriminating the short-term action of root and foliar application of humic acids on plant growth: emerging role of jasmonic acid. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020;11:493. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00493.

[23] Garcia-Mina JM, Mora V, Olaetxea M, Baigorri R, Fuentes M, Garnica M, San Francisco S, Erro J, Urrutia O, Casanova E, Lemenager D, Yvin JC. Main mechanisms involved in the effects of humic substances on soil-plant systems. Agrociencia Uruguay. 2012;Special Issue:189-190.

[24] Nardi S, Schiavon M, Francioso O. Chemical structure and biological activity of humic substances define their role as plant growth promoters. Molecules. 2021;26:2256. https://doi. org/10.3390/molecules26082256

[25] Garcia AC, Santos LA, de Souza LGA, Tavares OCH, Zonta E, Gomes ETM. Vermicompost humic acids modulate the accumulation and metabolism of ROS in rice plants. Journal of Plant Physiology. 2016;192:56-63. DOI: 10.1155/2016/ 3747501.

[26] Sootahar MK, Zeng X, Wang Y, Su S, Soothar P, Bai L, Kumar M, Zhang Y, Mustafa A and Ye N. The short-term effects of mineral- and plant-derived fulvic acids on some selected soil properties: improvement in the growth, yield, and mineral nutritional status of wheat (*Triticum aestivum* l.) under soils of contrasting textures. Plants. 2020;9(2):205. doi:10.3390/plants9020205.

[27] Cimrin KM, Yilmaz I. Humic acid applications to lettuce do not improve yield but do improve phosphorus availability. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. 2005;55(1):58-63.

[28] Celik H, Katkat, AV, Aşık BB, Turan MA. Effect of foliar-applied humic acid to dry weight and mineral nutrient uptake of maize under calcareous soil conditions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 2010;42(1):29-38.

[29] Khaled H, Fawy HA. Effect of different levels of humic acids on the nutrient content, plant growth, and soil properties under conditions of salinity. Soil and Water Research. 2011;6(1):21-29.

**14**

*Humic Substances*

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[41] Yildirim E. Foliar and soil fertilization of humic acid affect productivity and quality of tomato. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B-Soil and Plant Science. 2007;57: 182186.

[42] Nikbakht A, Kafi M, Babalar M, Xia YP, Luo A, and Etemadi N Effect of humic acid on plant growth,nutrient uptake, and postharvest life of gerbera. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2008;31:2155-2167.

[43] Man-hong Y, Lei Z, Sheng-tao X, McLaughlin NB, Jing-hui L. Effect of

**17**

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine*

biochemical attributes. Cereal Research Communications. 2018;46(1);67-78. DOI: 10.1556/0806.45.2017.064.

[50] Turkmen O, Dursun A, Turan M, Erdinç C. Calcium and humic acid affect seed germination, growth and nutrient

[51] Khaleda L, Park HJ, Yun D, Jeon J, Kim M, CHA JY and Kim W. Humic acid

1-mediated salinity stress tolerance in *Arabidopsis*. Molecules and Cells.

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2020;10:15042. https://doi.org/10.1038/

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*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

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irrigation levels. Journal of Plant Physiology and Breeding. 2019;

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[49] Kaya C, Akram NA, Ashraf M, Sonmez O. Exogenous application of humic acid mitigates salinity stress in

maize (*Zea mays* L.) plants by improving some key physico-

Ellialtıoğlu SS. Drought stress mitigation with humic acid in two *Cucumis melo* L. genotypes differ in their drought tolerance. Bragantia, Campinas. 2019;78(4):490-497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4499.

[45] García AC, Santos LA, Izquierdo FG, Sperandio MVL,

s41598-020-63925-5.

20190057.

2012;47:203-8.

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water soluble humic acid applied to potato foliage on plant growth,

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

water soluble humic acid applied to potato foliage on plant growth, photosynthesis characteristics and fresh tuber yield under different water deficits. Scientific Reports. 2020;10:7854. https://doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-020-63925-5.

*Humic Substances*

2009;1(2):87-95.

s40538-017-0089-5

Agricola. 2016;73:24-28.

2002;46:1075-1081.

1996;179:65-72.

2004;55:803-813.

Alves WS, Melo ACA,

s41598-019-48509-2.

[30] Asik BB, Turan MA, Celik H and

substanceson plant growth and mineral nutrients uptake of wheat (*Triticum durum* cv. Salihli) under conditions of salinity. Asian Journal of crop Science.

[37] Canellas LP, Olivares FL,

maize roots. Plant Physiology. 2002;Plant Vol.130, pp. 1951-1957.

Okorokova-Facanha AL, Facanha AR. Humic acids isolated from earthworm compost enhance root elongation, lateral root emergence, and

plasmamembrane H-ATPase activity in

[38] Mora V, Baigorri R, Bacaicoa E, Zamarreno A M and Garcia-Mina JM. The humic acid-induced changes in the root concentration of nitric oxide, IAA and ethylene do not explain the changes in root architecture caused by humic acid in cucumber. Environmental and Experimental Botany.2012;76:24-32.

[39] Nardi S, Pizzeghello D, Schiavon M and Ertani A. Plant biostimulants: Physiological responses induced by protein hydrolyzed-based products and humic substances in plant metabolism. Scientia Agricola. 2016;73(1):18-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-9016-

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2015-0006.

jplph.2009.11.018.

182186.

[41] Yildirim E. Foliar and soil fertilization of humic acid affect

productivity and quality of tomato. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B-Soil and Plant Science. 2007;57:

[42] Nikbakht A, Kafi M, Babalar M, Xia YP, Luo A, and Etemadi N Effect of humic acid on plant growth,nutrient uptake, and postharvest life of gerbera.

[43] Man-hong Y, Lei Z, Sheng-tao X, McLaughlin NB, Jing-hui L. Effect of

Journal of Plant Nutrition.

2008;31:2155-2167.

Pascale S. The role of biostimulants and bioeffectors as alleviators of abiotic stress in crop plants. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture*.* 2017;4, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/

Katkat AV. Effects of humic

[31] Van Oosten MJ, Pepe O, De

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[33] Nardi S, Sessi E, Pizzeghello D, Sturaro A, Rella R, Parvoli G. Biological activity of soil organic matter mobilized

by root exudates. Chemosphere.

[35] Quaggiotti S, Ruperti B,

[36] Nunes OR, Domiciano GA,

Sousanogueira FC, Canellas LP,

Olivares FL, Zingali RB and Soares MR. Evaluation of the effects of humic acids on maize root architecture by label-free proteomics analysis. Scientific Reports. 2019;9:12019. https://doi.org/10.1038/

Pizzeghello D, Francioso O, Tugnoli V, Nardi S. Effect of low molecular size humic substances on nitrate uptake and expression of genes involved in nitrate transport in maize (*Zea mays* L.). Journal of Experimental Botany.

[34] Concheri G, Nardi S, Reniero F, Dell'Agnola G. Structural characteristics and biological activities of humic substances within the Ah horizon (Calcic-Luvisol). Plant and Soil.

**16**

[44] Kıran S, Furtana GB, Talhouni M, Ellialtıoğlu SS. Drought stress mitigation with humic acid in two *Cucumis melo* L. genotypes differ in their drought tolerance. Bragantia, Campinas. 2019;78(4):490-497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4499. 20190057.

[45] García AC, Santos LA, Izquierdo FG, Sperandio MVL, Castro RN, Berbara RLL. Vermicompost humic acids as an ecological pathway to protect rice plant against oxidative stress. Ecological Engineering. 2012;47:203-8.

[46] Lotfi R, Kalaji HM, Valizadeh GR, Khalilvand Behrozyar E, Hemati A, Gharavi-kochebagh P, Ghassemi A. Effects of humic acid on photosynthetic efficiency of rapeseed plants growing under different watering conditions. Photosynthetica 2018:56(3):962-970. DOI: 10.1007/s11099-017-0745-9.

[47] Abhari A, Gholinezhad E. Effect of humic acid on grain yield and yield components in chickpea under different irrigation levels. Journal of Plant Physiology and Breeding. 2019; 9(2):19-29.

[48] Canellas LP, Canellas NAO, da S Irineu LES , Olivares FL, Piccolo A. Plant chemical priming by humic acids. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture. 2020;7:12. https://doi. org/10.1186/s40538-020-00178-4.

[49] Kaya C, Akram NA, Ashraf M, Sonmez O. Exogenous application of humic acid mitigates salinity stress in maize (*Zea mays* L.) plants by improving some key physicobiochemical attributes. Cereal Research Communications. 2018;46(1);67-78. DOI: 10.1556/0806.45.2017.064.

[50] Turkmen O, Dursun A, Turan M, Erdinç C. Calcium and humic acid affect seed germination, growth and nutrient content of tomato (*Lycopersicon esculentum* L.) seedlings under saline soil conditions. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science. 2004;54, 168-174.

[51] Khaleda L, Park HJ, Yun D, Jeon J, Kim M, CHA JY and Kim W. Humic acid confers high-affinity K<sup>+</sup> transporter 1-mediated salinity stress tolerance in *Arabidopsis*. Molecules and Cells. 2017;40(12):966-975

[52] Cha JY, Kang SH, Ali I, Lee SC, Ji MG, Jeong SY, Shin GI, Kim MG, Jeon JR, Kim WY. Humic acid enhances heat stress tolerance via transcriptional activation of Heat-Shock Proteins in *Arabidopsis*. Scientific Reports. 2020;10:15042. https://doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-020-71701-8

[53] Weber J. Humic substances and their role in the environment. EC Agriculture. 2020;03-08.

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[63] El-Zaiat HM, Morsy AS, El-Wakeel EA, Anwer MM and Sallam SM. Impact of humic acid as an organic additive on ruminal fermentation constituents, blood parameters and milk production in goats and their kids growth rate. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences. 2018; 27:105-113.

[64] Gerlach H, Gerlach A, Schrödl W, Schottdorf B, Haufe S. Oral application of charcoal and humic acids to dairy cows influences clostridium botulinum blood serum antibody level and glyphosate excretion in urine. Journal of Clinical Toxicology. 2014;4:186. DOI: 10.4172/2161-0495.186.

[65] Sahin A, Iskender H, Kapakin KA Terim, Ainkaynak K, Hayirli A, Gonultas A, Kaynar O The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead poisoning. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola. 2016;18(4):649-654. https://doi. org/10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0299.

[66] Jusadi D, Aprilia T, Setiawati M, Suprayudi MA, Ekasari J. Dietary supplementation of fulvic acid for growth improvement and prevention of heavy metal accumulation in Nile tilapia fed with green mussel. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research. 2020;46(3):295-301. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.ejar.2020.04.002.

[67] Hayirli A, Esenbuga N, Macit M, Lacin E and Karaoglu M, Karaca H and Yildiz L. Nutrition Practice to Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Stress on Laying Performance, Metabolic Profile, and Egg Quality in Peak Producing Hens: I. The Humate Supplementation. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005;18(9): Doi:10.5713/ajas.2005.1310.

[68] Cetin E, Guclu B K, Cetin N. Effect of Dietary Humate and Organic Acid Supplementation on Social Stress Induced by High Stocking Density in Laying Hens. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. 2011;10(8): 2402-2407 DOI:10.3923/javaa.2011. 2402.2407

[69] Lieke T, Steinberg CEW, Pan B, Perminova IV, Meinelt T, Knopf K, Kloas W. Phenol-rich fulvic acid as a water additive enhances growth, reduces stress, and stimulates the immune system of fish in aquaculture.

**19**

fsi.2017.01.008.

71-80.

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine*

[76] Aydin SK, Dalgic S, Karaman M, Kirlangic OF, Yildirim H. Effects of fulvic acid on different cancer cell lines. *Proceedings.* 2017;*1:*1031. https://doi. org/10.3390/proceedings1101031.

[77] Ting HC, Yen CC, Chen WK, Chang WH, Chou MC, Lu FJ. Humic acid enhances the cytotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide on human cervical cancer cells. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol.

2010;29(2):117-25. doi: 10.1016/j.

[78] Pant K, Gupta A, Gupta P, Ashraf A, Yadav A, Venugopal S. Anti-proliferative and anticancer properties of fulvic acid on hepatic cancer cells. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2015;5:S2. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jceh.2015.07.005

[79] Aykac A, Becer E, Okcanoğlu TB, Güvenir M, Süer K, Vatansever S. The cytotoxic effects of humic acid on human breast cancer cells. *Proceedings.*

[80] Tavassoli A, Monsefi M. The anti-cancer property of mumie as natural product on human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Journal of Environmenatl Treatment Techniques.

2020;9(1):196-202. https://doi. org/10.47277/JETT/9(1)202.

[81] Kaevska M, Lorencova A, Videnska P, Sedlar K, Provaznik I, Trckova M. Effect of sodium humate and zinc oxide used in prophylaxis of post-weaning diarrhoea on faecal microbiota composition in weaned piglets. Veterinarni Medicina.

[82] Visscher C, Hankel J, Nies A. Performance, fermentation

2019;6:29. DOI:10.3389/ fvets.2019.00029.

characteristics and composition of the microbiome in the digest of piglets kept on a feed with humic acid-rich peat. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

etap.2009.11.009.

2018;2(25):1565.

2016;61:328-336.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

Scientific Reports. 2021;11.174. DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-80449-0.

Inflammation. 2015;38:32-39.

[70] Ozkan A, Sen HM, Sehitoglu I, Alacam H, Guven M, Aras AB, Akman T, Silan C, Cosar M,

Karaman HIO. Neuroprotective effect of humic acid on focal cerebral ischemia injury: An experimental study in rats.

[71] Yang GE, Tae HJ, Lee TK, Park YE, Cho JH, Kim DW, Park JH, Ahn JH, Ryoo S, Kim YM, Shin MC, Cho JH, Lee CH, Hwang IK, Jin H, Won MH, Lee JC. Risperidone treatment after transient ischemia induces hypothermia and provides neuroprotection in the gerbil hippocampus by decreasing oxidative stress. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019;20(18):4621. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20184621.

[72] Akbas, A, Silan, C, Gulpinar MT. Renoprotective effect of humic acid on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: an

Inflammation. 2015;38:2042-2048. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-015-

[73] Cagin YF, Sahin N, Polat A,

Erdogan MA, Atayan Y, Eyol E, Bilgic Y, Seckin Y, Colak C. The acute effect of humic acid on iron accumulation in rats. Biological Trace Element Research.

[74] Shikalgar TS and Naikwade NS. Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of fulvic acid against isoproterenol induced oxidative damage in rat myocardium. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2018;9(1):

[75] Gao Y, He J, He Z. Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile loach *Paramisgurnus dabryanus* (Sauvage). Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 2017;62:47-56. DOI: 10.1016/j.

experimental study in rats.

0185-2

2016;171:145-155.

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

Scientific Reports. 2021;11.174. DOI:10.1038/s41598-020-80449-0.

*Humic Substances*

(02)00706-8.

1988;2:187-91

Journal. 2010;1:69-74.

[57] Beer AM, Junginger HE, Lukanov J,

[64] Gerlach H, Gerlach A, Schrödl W, Schottdorf B, Haufe S. Oral application of charcoal and humic acids to dairy cows influences clostridium botulinum

glyphosate excretion in urine. Journal of Clinical Toxicology. 2014;4:186. DOI:

[65] Sahin A, Iskender H, Kapakin KA Terim, Ainkaynak K, Hayirli A, Gonultas A, Kaynar O The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead

poisoning. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola. 2016;18(4):649-654. https://doi. org/10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0299.

[66] Jusadi D, Aprilia T, Setiawati M, Suprayudi MA, Ekasari J. Dietary supplementation of fulvic acid for growth improvement and prevention of heavy metal accumulation in Nile tilapia fed with green mussel. The Egyptian

[67] Hayirli A, Esenbuga N, Macit M, Lacin E and Karaoglu M, Karaca H and Yildiz L. Nutrition Practice to Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Stress on Laying Performance, Metabolic Profile, and Egg Quality in Peak Producing Hens: I. The Humate Supplementation. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005;18(9): Doi:10.5713/ajas.2005.1310.

[68] Cetin E, Guclu B K, Cetin N. Effect of Dietary Humate and Organic Acid Supplementation on Social Stress Induced by High Stocking Density in Laying Hens. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances. 2011;10(8): 2402-2407 DOI:10.3923/javaa.2011.

[69] Lieke T, Steinberg CEW, Pan B, Perminova IV, Meinelt T, Knopf K, Kloas W. Phenol-rich fulvic acid as a water additive enhances growth, reduces stress, and stimulates the immune system of fish in aquaculture.

2402.2407

Journal of Aquatic Research. 2020;46(3):295-301. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.ejar.2020.04.002.

blood serum antibody level and

10.4172/2161-0495.186.

permeation of peat substances through human skin in vitro. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2003;253 (1-2):169-75. DOI:10.1016/s0378-5173

[58] Ma'or Z, Henis Y, Alon Y, Orlov E, Sørensen KB, Oren A. Antimicrobial properties of dead sea black mineral mud. International Journal of

Dermatology. 2006;45(5):504-11. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02621.x.

[60] van Rensburg CEJ, Badenhorst BE, Gandy JJ and Snyman JR. Potassium humate reduces inflammation and clinically improves the outcomes of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The Open Conference Proceedings

[61] Balkrishna, A., Sakat, S.S., Joshi, K. et al. Herbo-mineral formulation 'Ashwashila' attenuates rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in collagen-

antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) mice model. Sci Rep. 2019;9:8025. https://doi. org/10.1038/s41598-019-44485-9

[62] Islam K M, Schumacher S A, Gropp J M. Humic acid substances in animal agriculture. Pakistan J. Nutr. 2005;4:126-

Sallam SM. Impact of humic acid as an

parameters and milk production in goats and their kids growth rate. Journal of Animal and Feed Sciences. 2018;

134. 10.3923/pjn.2005.126.134

[63] El-Zaiat HM, Morsy AS, El-Wakeel EA, Anwer MM and

organic additive on ruminal fermentation constituents, blood

[59] Ghosal S, Singh SK, Kumar Y, Srivastava R, Goel RK, Dey R. Antiulcerogenic activity of fulvic acids and 4′-methoxy-6-carbomethoxybiphenyl isolated from shilajit. Phytother Res.

Sagorchev P. Evaluation of the

**18**

27:105-113.

[70] Ozkan A, Sen HM, Sehitoglu I, Alacam H, Guven M, Aras AB, Akman T, Silan C, Cosar M, Karaman HIO. Neuroprotective effect of humic acid on focal cerebral ischemia injury: An experimental study in rats. Inflammation. 2015;38:32-39.

[71] Yang GE, Tae HJ, Lee TK, Park YE, Cho JH, Kim DW, Park JH, Ahn JH, Ryoo S, Kim YM, Shin MC, Cho JH, Lee CH, Hwang IK, Jin H, Won MH, Lee JC. Risperidone treatment after transient ischemia induces hypothermia and provides neuroprotection in the gerbil hippocampus by decreasing oxidative stress. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2019;20(18):4621. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20184621.

[72] Akbas, A, Silan, C, Gulpinar MT. Renoprotective effect of humic acid on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: an experimental study in rats. Inflammation. 2015;38:2042-2048. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-015- 0185-2

[73] Cagin YF, Sahin N, Polat A, Erdogan MA, Atayan Y, Eyol E, Bilgic Y, Seckin Y, Colak C. The acute effect of humic acid on iron accumulation in rats. Biological Trace Element Research. 2016;171:145-155.

[74] Shikalgar TS and Naikwade NS. Evaluation of cardioprotective activity of fulvic acid against isoproterenol induced oxidative damage in rat myocardium. International Research Journal of Pharmacy. 2018;9(1): 71-80.

[75] Gao Y, He J, He Z. Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile loach *Paramisgurnus dabryanus* (Sauvage). Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 2017;62:47-56. DOI: 10.1016/j. fsi.2017.01.008.

[76] Aydin SK, Dalgic S, Karaman M, Kirlangic OF, Yildirim H. Effects of fulvic acid on different cancer cell lines. *Proceedings.* 2017;*1:*1031. https://doi. org/10.3390/proceedings1101031.

[77] Ting HC, Yen CC, Chen WK, Chang WH, Chou MC, Lu FJ. Humic acid enhances the cytotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide on human cervical cancer cells. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010;29(2):117-25. doi: 10.1016/j. etap.2009.11.009.

[78] Pant K, Gupta A, Gupta P, Ashraf A, Yadav A, Venugopal S. Anti-proliferative and anticancer properties of fulvic acid on hepatic cancer cells. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2015;5:S2. DOI: https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jceh.2015.07.005

[79] Aykac A, Becer E, Okcanoğlu TB, Güvenir M, Süer K, Vatansever S. The cytotoxic effects of humic acid on human breast cancer cells. *Proceedings.* 2018;2(25):1565.

[80] Tavassoli A, Monsefi M. The anti-cancer property of mumie as natural product on human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa). Journal of Environmenatl Treatment Techniques. 2020;9(1):196-202. https://doi. org/10.47277/JETT/9(1)202.

[81] Kaevska M, Lorencova A, Videnska P, Sedlar K, Provaznik I, Trckova M. Effect of sodium humate and zinc oxide used in prophylaxis of post-weaning diarrhoea on faecal microbiota composition in weaned piglets. Veterinarni Medicina. 2016;61:328-336.

[82] Visscher C, Hankel J, Nies A. Performance, fermentation characteristics and composition of the microbiome in the digest of piglets kept on a feed with humic acid-rich peat. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2019;6:29. DOI:10.3389/ fvets.2019.00029.

[83] Arafat RY, Khan SH, Abbas G, Iqbal J. Effect of dietary humic acid via drinking water on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers. American Journal of Biological and Life Sciences. 2015;3:26-30.

[84] Arif M, Alagawany M, Abd El-Hack ME, Saeed M, Arain MA, Elnesr SS. Humic acid as a feed additive in poultry diets: a review. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2019;20(3):167-172.

[85] Chang Q.F., Bai H.X., Shi B.M., Shan A.S., Wei C.Y., Yu C.Q., Tong B.S. Effects of dietary FA on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, routine blood parameter and immunity of growing swine. Chin. J. Anim. Nutr. 2013;25:1836-1842.

[86] Mao, Y. Modulation of the Growth Performance, Meat Composition, Oxidative Status, and Immunity of Broilers by Dietary Fulvic Acids. Poult. Sci. 2019;10:4509-4513. https://doi. org/10.3382/ps/pez281

[87] Vucskits AV, Hullár I, Bersényi A, Andrásofszky E, Kulcsár M, Szabó J. Effect of fulvic and humic acids on performance, immune response and thyroid function in rats. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Berl). 2010;94(6):721-8. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01023.x.

[88] Gomez-Rosales S, de L. Angeles M. Addition of a worm leachate as source of humic substances in the drinking water of broiler chickens. Animal Bioscience 2015;28(2):215-222. DOI: https://doi. org/10.5713/ajas.14.0321.

[89] Zhernov YV, Kremb S, Helfer M, Schindler M, Harir, M Mueller C, Hertkorn N, Avvakumova NP, Konstantinov AI, Brack-Werner R, Schmitt-Kopplindg P and Perminova IV (2017) Supramolecular combinations of humic polyanions as potent microbicides with polymodal anti-HIVactivities. New J. Chem. 2017;41:212-224

[90] Zhernov YV, Konstantinov AI, Zherebker A, Nikolaev E, Orlov A, Savinykh MI, Kornilaeva GV, Karamov EV, Perminova IV. Antiviral activity of natural humic substances and shilajit materials against HIV-1: Relation to structure, Environmental Research. 2021; 193:110312.https://doi. org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110312.

[91] Kornilaeva GV, Siniavin AE, Schultz A. The differential Anti-HIV effect of a new humic substance-derived preparation in diverse cells of the immune system. Acta Naturae. 2019;11(2):68-76. DOI: 10.32607/20758251-2019-11-2-68-76.

[92] Hafez M, Popov AI, Zelenkov VN, Teplyakova TV and Rashad M. Humic substances as an environmentalfriendly organic wastes potentially help as natural anti-virus to inhibit COVID-19. Science Archives. 2020;1(2):53-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.47587/ SA.2020.1202.

[93] Winkler J, Ghosh S Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Research. 2018;Article ID 5391014, 7 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5391014

[94] Murbach TS, Glávits R, Endres JR, Clewell AE, Hirka G, Vértesi A, Béres E, Pasics Szakonyiné I. A toxicological evaluation of a fulvic and humic acids preparation. Toxicology Reports. 2020;7:1242-1254.

[95] Dai C, Xiao X, Yuan Y, Sharma G, Tang S. A comprehensive toxicological assessment of fulvic acid. Evidencebased complementary and alternative medicine:eCAM, 2020;8899244. https:// doi.org/10.1155/2020/8899244.

[96] Hseu YC, Chen SC, Chen YL, Chen JY, Lee ML, Lu FJ, Wu FY, Lai JS, Yang HL. Humic acid induced genotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using comet and sister

**21**

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

chromatid exchange assay. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2008;153(1-

[98] Cooksey R C, Gaitan E, Lindsay R

2):784-91. DOI: 10.1016/j. jhazmat.2007.09.024.

BF03347776.

[97] Huang TS, Lu FJ, Tsai CW, Chopra IJ. Effect of humic acids on thyroidal function. J Endocrinol Invest. 1994;17(10):787-91. doi: 10.1007/

H, Hill J B and Kelly K. Humic substances, a possible source of environmental goitrogens. Organic Geochemistry. 1985;8(1):77-80. https:// doi.org/10.1016/0146-6380(85)90054-3

[99] Laurberg, P., Andersen, S.,

Pedersen, I.B., Ovesen, L. and Knudsen, N. Humic substances in drinking water and the epidemiology of thyroid disease. BioFactors. 2003;19:145-153. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.5520190307

*Humic Substances: Prospects for Use in Agriculture and Medicine DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99651*

chromatid exchange assay. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2008;153(1- 2):784-91. DOI: 10.1016/j. jhazmat.2007.09.024.

*Humic Substances*

Sciences. 2015;3:26-30.

2019;20(3):167-172.

org/10.3382/ps/pez281

org/10.5713/ajas.14.0321.

humic polyanions as potent

[83] Arafat RY, Khan SH, Abbas G, Iqbal J. Effect of dietary humic acid via drinking water on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers. American Journal of Biological and Life [90] Zhernov YV, Konstantinov AI, Zherebker A, Nikolaev E, Orlov A, Savinykh MI, Kornilaeva GV,

Karamov EV, Perminova IV. Antiviral activity of natural humic substances and shilajit materials against HIV-1: Relation to structure, Environmental Research.

2021; 193:110312.https://doi. org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110312.

2019;11(2):68-76. DOI:

http://dx.doi.org/10.47587/

SA.2020.1202.

2020;7:1242-1254.

[91] Kornilaeva GV, Siniavin AE, Schultz A. The differential Anti-HIV effect of a new humic substance-derived preparation in diverse cells of the immune system. Acta Naturae.

10.32607/20758251-2019-11-2-68-76.

[92] Hafez M, Popov AI, Zelenkov VN, Teplyakova TV and Rashad M. Humic substances as an environmental-

friendly organic wastes potentially help as natural anti-virus to inhibit COVID-19. Science Archives. 2020;1(2):53-60.

[93] Winkler J, Ghosh S Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Research. 2018;Article ID 5391014, 7 pages. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5391014

[94] Murbach TS, Glávits R, Endres JR, Clewell AE, Hirka G, Vértesi A, Béres E, Pasics Szakonyiné I. A toxicological evaluation of a fulvic and humic acids preparation. Toxicology Reports.

[95] Dai C, Xiao X, Yuan Y, Sharma G, Tang S. A comprehensive toxicological assessment of fulvic acid. Evidencebased complementary and alternative medicine:eCAM, 2020;8899244. https://

doi.org/10.1155/2020/8899244.

Yang HL. Humic acid induced

[96] Hseu YC, Chen SC, Chen YL, Chen JY, Lee ML, Lu FJ, Wu FY, Lai JS,

genotoxicity in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using comet and sister

[84] Arif M, Alagawany M, Abd El-Hack ME, Saeed M, Arain MA, Elnesr SS. Humic acid as a feed additive in poultry diets: a review. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Research.

[85] Chang Q.F., Bai H.X., Shi B.M., Shan A.S., Wei C.Y., Yu C.Q., Tong B.S. Effects of dietary FA on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, routine blood parameter and immunity of growing swine. Chin. J. Anim. Nutr. 2013;25:1836-1842.

[86] Mao, Y. Modulation of the Growth Performance, Meat Composition, Oxidative Status, and Immunity of Broilers by Dietary Fulvic Acids. Poult. Sci. 2019;10:4509-4513. https://doi.

[87] Vucskits AV, Hullár I, Bersényi A, Andrásofszky E, Kulcsár M, Szabó J. Effect of fulvic and humic acids on performance, immune response and thyroid function in rats. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal

Nutrition (Berl). 2010;94(6):721-8. DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01023.x.

[88] Gomez-Rosales S, de L. Angeles M. Addition of a worm leachate as source of humic substances in the drinking water of broiler chickens. Animal Bioscience 2015;28(2):215-222. DOI: https://doi.

[89] Zhernov YV, Kremb S, Helfer M, Schindler M, Harir, M Mueller C, Hertkorn N, Avvakumova NP, Konstantinov AI, Brack-Werner R, Schmitt-Kopplindg P and Perminova IV (2017) Supramolecular combinations of

microbicides with polymodal anti-HIVactivities. New J. Chem. 2017;41:212-224

**20**

[97] Huang TS, Lu FJ, Tsai CW, Chopra IJ. Effect of humic acids on thyroidal function. J Endocrinol Invest. 1994;17(10):787-91. doi: 10.1007/ BF03347776.

[98] Cooksey R C, Gaitan E, Lindsay R H, Hill J B and Kelly K. Humic substances, a possible source of environmental goitrogens. Organic Geochemistry. 1985;8(1):77-80. https:// doi.org/10.1016/0146-6380(85)90054-3

[99] Laurberg, P., Andersen, S., Pedersen, I.B., Ovesen, L. and Knudsen, N. Humic substances in drinking water and the epidemiology of thyroid disease. BioFactors. 2003;19:145-153. https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.5520190307

**23**

**Chapter 2**

**Abstract**

*Hemlata K. Bagla*

Biorhexistasy, Biofuel

deprived soils and declining fauna.

**1. Introduction**

Dry Cowdung Powder - Novel

Water-Food-Energy (WFE) Nexus regulates biosphere and irrespective of alphabetical or chronological order, it must have synergy for the sustainability of life. Population, Pollution and current Pandemic- COVID has made it vivid to entire scientific community that unless we strengthen this trio, our progressive humanity is sure to collapse. Humic Substances (HS), the originator of the life has promising utilization in almost every sectors of life, reinforcing WFE Nexus. This chapter dedicates to novel unearthed HS, Dry Cowdung Powder (DCP) and its unique contribution in sustaining the triangle of life, WFE. DCP has been employed as humiresin for bioremediation of wastewater containing heavy metals and radionuclides. The known candidate for Biorhexistasy, DCP increases soil fertility, minimizes erosion and acidification. It is also extensively explored as biofuel, green and clean source of energy. 'Nothing of Nature is a Waste' and 'Waste is a Commodity'

**Keywords:** Sustainability, Dry Cowdung Powder, Unearthed Humus, Humiresin,

The biosphere or Earth's layer of Living Matter harbors living organisms that interact with each other as well as with the soil, water, and air. The necessity of the entire living biota is based on Water-Food-Energy (WFE) Nexus, exceptionally governed by our Mother Nature. In the past few centuries, rapid industrialization has overexploited pristine ecosystems and led to a steady decline in the nutrient quality of ecosystems, flora, and fauna. The plume of population and pollution has created a 'water-food hungry scenario' but the 21st century socio-political race has created 'energy hungry' attitude too. The high rate of resource consumption has posed an unintended and negative impact not only on the entire ecosystem but also on global geopolitical harmony. Almost every nation has gobbled up their own abundance of natural resources due to utilitarian attitude and drive of being energy independent. This has compromised the holistic functioning of the environment and given rise to

Present resource crisis is so all-prevailing that, both developed as well as developing countries have come to the common conclusion of Sustainability through Socio-Scientific Integrity for the smooth survival of todays and tomorrows.

Unearthed Humus: Sustains

Water-Food-Energy Nexus

aptly describes DCP, the sustainer of WFE Nexus.

## **Chapter 2**
