Biodegradation of high molecular weight lignin under sulfate reducing conditions: lignin degradability and degradation by-products

Bioresour Technol. 2009 Feb;100(4):1622-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.09.029. Epub 2008 Oct 31.

Abstract

This study is designed to investigate the biodegradation of high molecular weight (HMW) lignin under sulfate reducing conditions. With a continuously mesophilic operated reactor in the presence of co-substrates of cellulose, the changes in HMW lignin concentration and chemical structure were analyzed. The acid precipitable polymeric lignin (APPL) and lignin monomers, which are known as degradation by-products, were isolated and detected. The results showed that HMW lignin decreased and showed a maximum degradation capacity of 3.49 mg/l/day. APPL was confirmed as a polymeric degradation by-product and was accumulated in accordance with HMW lignin reduction. We also observed non-linear accumulation of aromatic lignin monomers such as hydrocinnamic acid. Through our experimental results, it was determined that HMW lignin, when provided with a co-substrate of cellulose, is biodegraded through production of APPL and aromatic monomers under anaerobic sulfate reducing conditions with a co-substrate of cellulose.

MeSH terms

  • Acids
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Cellulose / metabolism
  • Lignin / metabolism*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Sulfates / metabolism*
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Acids
  • Sulfates
  • Cellulose
  • Lignin