title: Prediction of humic acid content and respiration activity of biogenic waste by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models.
abstract: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been proven to be an appropriate analytical method for the qualitative assessment of compost stability. This study focuses on quantitative determination of two time-consuming parameters: humic acid (HA) contents and respiration activity. Reactivity/stability and humification were quantified by respiration activities (oxygen uptake) and humic acid contents. These features are also reflected by a specific infrared spectroscopic pattern. Based on this relationship partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models for the prediction of respiration activities and humic acid contents were calculated. Characteristic wavenumber regions that are assigned to the biological/chemical parameter were selected for multivariate data analysis. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) obtained for the humic acid prediction model from infrared spectra was 87% with a root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) of 2.6% organic dry matter (ODM). The prediction model for respiration activity resulted in a R(2) of 94% and a RMSECV for oxygen uptake of 2.9mgg(-1) dry matter (DM).
authors.affiliation: Institute of Waste Management, Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment, BOKU-University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 107, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Meissl
authors.forename: Ena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Smidt
authors.forename: Manfred
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schwanninger