Analysis of alkali-lignin in a paper mill effluent decolourised with two Streptomyces strains by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after cupric oxide degradation

Alkali-lignin samples obtained from an untreated paper mill effluent and fr om the effluent decolourised by the strains Streptomyces avermitilis CECT 3 339 and Streptomyces scabies UAH 51 were analysed by gas chromatography-mas s spectrometry (GC-MS) after cupric oxide degradation. The analysis of the depolymerisation products of the alkali-lignin from the decolourised efflue nts showed a strain specific modification of the aromatic moiety of the alk ali-lignin. Moreover, both strains were able to breakdown the aryl-alkyl et her linkages between the cinnamic acids and the lignin. Finally, GC-MS anal ysis showed that both strains oxidised the alkali-lignin regardless of its initial degree of oxidation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V, All rights rese rved.