synthesis and characterization of a series of model complexes for aquatic humic acids providing different coordination motifs.

characterization of the complexes regarding their stability in artificial seawater and redox properties.

investigations on the impact of the synthesized model compounds on growth of the marine algae species C. salina and P. parvum.

iron complex with thiomaltol showed positive impact on the culture of C. salina and P.parvum even though thiomaltol was found to be highly cytotoxic.

catechol-based iron complexes are found to be excellent models for aquatic humic acids due to their remarkable ability to supply algae with iron.