Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for characterizing dissolved organic matter (DOM), a key component of anaerobic digestion. In this study, the fluorescence characteristics of DOM during 55 days of anaerobic digestion of oil crop straw inoculated with rumen liquid were investigated. EEM spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) showed that three major fluorescence components, tyrosine- (C1), humic- (C2) and tryptophan-like substances (C3), were identified in all DOM samples. The F max values of C1 and C3 increased rapidly during the first 5 d, decreased dramatically from day 5 to day 35, and then remained stable, while C2 was not biodegraded. The changes in the F max values of the fluorescence components reflected the biodegradation of lignin and/or embedded cellulose by rumen microorganisms. The changes in the Stokes shift of the fluorescence peak were readily explained by the variation in the hydrophobic/hydrophilic fraction distribution. The humidification index (HIX) and A : T ratio of the DOM decreased after 5 d and then increased gradually. Compared with the McKnight fluorescence index (MFI), the Y fluorescence index (YFI) was better able to track the evolution of the DOM. Correlation analysis of the different fluorescence indices (intensities) and absorbance indices was also carried out. The EEM-PARAFAC individual components, HIX and A : T ratio were conveniently used to characterize the degree of anaerobic conversion of the organic matter, and the peak at the Stokes shift of ∼1.0 μm-1 was used as one of the indicators showing the stabilization of anaerobic digestion. These findings may assist in developing fluorescence technology for monitoring the anaerobic digestion of crop straw.
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.