Humic-like substances from process water: complexation capacity and characterization using molecular fluorescence

Abstract

The large production of sugancane in Brasil generates high quantities of byproducts (vinasse and sugarcane bagasse). The new ways to use these products, like a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was studied and the uses of solid phases (hydrochar) was studied in literature, but the use and characteristics of byproduct of HTC reaction, an liquid phase (process water) has not been effectively studied. The MIO (Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography) research group at the University of Toulon-France is internationally recognized for the characterization of humic substances by Molecular Fluorescence and data treatment using CP/PARAFAC, as well as the complexation capacity employing quenching analysis and Time Resolved Fluorescence (TRF). Considering the work already started in Brazil, the aim of this project is the structural characterization of humic-like substances extracted from process water of hydrothermal carbonization and complexation capacity with copper, and, if it is possible, the interaction of these with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH). The achievement of these experiments under supervision of Professor Dr. Stéphane Mounier, specialist in the techniques proposed, will facilitate the understanding and interpretation of results, allowing a comparison between the materials, with the purpose of applying the process water. This internship will be the unique opportunity to generate unpublished data that will enable a better understanding of the material properties produced, providing important information about how carbonization process conditions change the humic material characteristics. (AU)