Mechanisms of humic acids degradation by white rot fungi explored using 1H NMR spectroscopy and FTICR mass spectrometry

Tzafrir Grinhut, Norbert Hertkorn, Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Yitzhak Hadar, Yona Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Scopus citations

Abstract

Enzymatic activities involved in decay processes of natural aromatic macromolecules, such as humic acids (HA) and lignin by white rot fungi, have been widely investigated. However, the physical and chemical analysis of degradation products of these materials has not been intensively explored. Fourier transform cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR MS) and 1H NMR as well as CHNOS and size exclusion chromatography were employed to study the mechanisms of HA degradation by Trametes sp. M23 and Phanerochaete sp. Y6. Size exclusion chromatography analyses demonstrate and provide evidence for HA breakdown into low MW compounds. The 1H NMR analysis revealed oxidation, a decrease in the aromatic content, and an indication of demethylation of the HA during biodegradation. Evidence for oxidation was also obtained using CHNOS. Analysis of FTICR MS results using a new software program developed by our group (David Mass Sort) revealed consecutive series of masses suggesting biochemical degradation trends such as oxidation, aromatic cleavage, and demethylation. These results are in agreement with the 1H NMR analysis and with the suggested role of the ligninolytic system leading to HA degradation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2748-2754
Number of pages7
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume45
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2011

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