Influence of chemical and structural evolution of dissolved organic matter on electron transfer capacity during composting

J Hazard Mater. 2014 Mar 15:268:256-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.01.030. Epub 2014 Jan 26.

Abstract

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can mediate electron transfer and change chemical speciation of heavy metals. In this study, the electron transfer capability (ETC) of compost-derived DOM was investigated through electrochemical approaches, and the factors influencing the ETC were studied using spectral and elemental analysis. The results showed that the electron accepting capacity (EAC) and electron donating capacity (EDC) of compost-derived DOM were 3.29-40.14μmole- (gC)(-1) and 57.1- 346.07μmole- (gC)(-1), respectively. Composting treatment increased the fulvic- and humic-like substance content, oxygenated aliphatic carbon content, lignin-derived aromatic carbon content, molecule weight, and N and S content of DOM, but decreased the aliphatic carbon content and the C and H content. This conversion increased the EDC and EAC of the DOM during composting.

Keywords: Composting; Dissolved organic matter; Electron transfer capability; Heavy metals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electron Transport
  • Humic Substances / analysis*
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Metals, Heavy / chemistry
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Solid Waste / analysis*
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Humic Substances
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Solid Waste