Three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix fluorescence (3DEEM) for quick and pseudo-quantitative determination of protein- and humic-like substances in full-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR). (1st July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacquin, Céline; Lesage, Geoffroy; Traber, Jacqueline; Pronk, Wouter; Heran, Marc
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 118(2017)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2017-07-01
• Subjects: 3DEEM fluorescence spectroscopy -- Humic-like substances -- Protein-like substances -- Effluent organic matter (EfOM) -- LC-OCD-OND -- Membrane bioreactor (MBR); Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this study is to help filling the research gaps linked to the on-line application of fluorescence spectroscopy in wastewater treatment and data processing tools suitable for rapid correction and extraction of data contained in three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (3DEEM) for real-time studies. 3DEEM was evaluated for direct quantification of Effluent Organic Matter (EfOM) fractions in full-scale MBR bulk supernatant and permeate samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to investigate possible correlations between conventional Lowry and Dubois methods, Liquid Chromatography coupled to Organic Carbon and Organic Nitrogen Detection (LC-OCD-OND) and 3DEEM. 3DEEM data were analyzed using the volume of fluorescence (Φ) parameter from the Fluorescence Regional Integration (FRI) method. Two mathematical correlations were established between LC-OCD-OND and 3DEEM data to quantify protein-like and humic-like substances. These correlations were validated with supplementary data from the initial full-scale MBR, and were checked with samples from other systems (a second full-scale MBR, a full-scale conventional activated sludge (CAS) and a laboratory-scale MBR). While humic-like correlation showed satisfactory prediction for a second full-scale MBR and a CAS system, further studies are required for protein-like estimation in other systems. This new approach offers interesting perspectives for the on-line application of 3DEEM for EfOM quantification (protein-like and humic-like substances), fouling prediction and MBR process control. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Conventional colorimetric methods are irrelevant for EfOM quantification in MBR. New procedure for 3DEEM data processing would be suitable for real-time studies. 3DEEM and LC-OCD-OND results are strongly correlated for EfOM in real MBR matrix. MBR fouling can be investigated by estimating EfOM membrane retention using 3DEEM.