Spectroscopic analysis and biodegradation potential study of dissolved organic matters in sewage sludge treated with high-pressure homogenization

► Sludge HPH treatment affected compositional and structural characteristics of DOM. ► Main components of DOM after HPH treatment were proteins, polysaccharides and liquids. ► Protein-like substances was the dominant fluorescent organic matters in DOM. ► Substances with aromatic structure were released after HPH treatment. ► DOM characteristics were responsible for DOM biodegradation potential.