Component analysis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) during aerobic sludge granulation using FTIR and 3D-EEM technologies

► FTIR and 3D-EEM are used to analyse the main components of EPS in aerobic granule. ► Results indicate the importance of aromatic protein-like substances in the stable granular sludge. ► The isomers of carbohydrates (1110-1047 cm−1) can be attributed to the aerobic sludge granulation.