INFRARED SPECTROSCOPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SLUDGES AND SLUDGE EXTRACTS

Abstract

Using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques, we examined a series of whole sewage sludges and extracts obtained from the various samples. Sludges were fractionated by three different, chemically mild techniques: (1) direct solvent extraction, (2) two-phase ether/water extraction in which the pH of the aqueous layer was adjusted from 1.5 to 11.5, and (3) dry-column chromatography. The FTIR spectra provide a qualitative assessment of the types of constituents and functional groups found in the sludges and extracts. The spectra also allow a comparison of the differences and similarities of both the whole and fractionated samples. Using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic techniques, we examined a series of whole sewage sludges and extracts obtained from the various samples. Sludges were fractionated by three different, chemically mild techniques: (1) direct solvent extraction, (2) two-phase ether/water extraction in which the pH of the aqueous layer was adjusted from 1.5 to 11.5, and (3) dry-column chromatography. The FTIR spectra provide a qualitative assessment of the types of constituents and functional groups found in the sludges and extracts. The spectra also allow a comparison of the differences and similarities of both the whole and fractionated samples. © Williams & Wilkins 1983. All Rights Reserved.