Lignite degraded by Trichoderma citrinoviride: Products, processes and mechanisms

Abstract

The biodegradation of lignite facilitates the efficient utilization of low-rank coal, and its degradation products, processes, and mechanisms are important areas of research. In this study, the biodegradation process of the lignite was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Firstly, the structural changes of lignite caused by Trichoderma citrinoviride were analyzed. Secondly, the main product detected by GC-MS from the degradation of lignite by Trichoderma citrinoviride was identified as erucylamide, with a conversion rate of 12.23%. The main product that was volatilized at 280 °C during the degradation of lignite by Trichoderma citrinoviride was first identified by GC-MS. Finally, the oxidase, LiP, MnP, Lac, and PPO secreted by Trichoderma citrinoviride were the main factors contributing to the degradation of lignite, and the degradation processes and mechanisms were inferred based on enzyme activities. This study provides fundamental experiments and data support for research on lignite in the field of the biochemical industry.