Evolution of Composting Process in Maize Biomass Revealed by Analytical Pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) and Pyrolysis Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (Py-CSIA)

An innovative approach based on the combination of analytical pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) compound-specific isotope analysis (Py-CSIA) is used to study composting process maize biomass. This multidisciplinary aims elucidate decomposition rate main biogenic materials (lignin, cellulose, proteins, lipids, and waxes) responses process. According Py-GC/MS data/structural composition, a noticeable significant decrease during first stage carbohydrates aromatic compounds found, followed by gradual increase all till end experiment. trend, along an fatty acids methyl-ester at stage, sustains microbial activity its stabilization over time. Py-CSIA data showed enrichment in 13C identified time, supporting semi-quantitative results initial biomass throughout trend also perceptible lignin moieties, long-chain aliphatic structures, isoprenoids, as highly recalcitrant compounds, presumably due depolymerization carbon translocation side-chain molecules Compound-specific values good correlation bulk data, this served validation technique. However, higher heterogeneity because those represent average organic sample. By combining isotopic structural information using Py-CSIA, we are able provide further more detailed considering diverse dynamics compounds.