Characterization of Chlorolignins in Bleached Kraft Pulp Mill Effluents Using Elemental Analysis and Fingerprinting by CuO Oxidation And Hplc

Abstract Elemental analyses and chemical degradation techniques were applied to characterize lignin compounds in different stages of the chlorine bleaching process and in total mill effluent. Ultrafiltration was used for separation of chlorolignins into three nominal molecular weight fractions. Alkaline CuO oxidation products were analyzed by HPLC with diode array detection. Major compounds were identified by reference to authentic compounds. For comparison, native lignins (MWL), kraft lignins, and humic substances were studied as well. The oxygen, carbon and organic chlorine contents were closely similar in the various mill samples and their fractions. In all mill samples, vanillin and 6-c…