The formation of ahumate is based on the ability of the carboxyl ( COOH) and hydroxyl ( OH) groups (on theoutside of the polymers) to dissociate (expel) the hydrogen ion. Once the hydrogen ions aredissociated a negatively charged anion ( COO- or -CO-) results. Two of these anions can bindto positive metal cations, such as Iron (Fe++), copper (Cu++), zinc (Zn++), calcium (Ca++),manganese (Mg++), and magnesium (Mg++).