Fractionation and characterization of dissolved extracellular and intracellular products derived from floccular sludge and aerobic granules

► Dissolved polymers are extracted and fractionated based on hydrophobicity. ► Aerobic granules contain lower amounts of dissolved polymers than floccular sludge. ► Proteins and polysaccharides mainly exist as colloids form in granular EPS. ► Dissolved polymers become more humified and hydrophobic after sludge granulation. ► Fluorescence characteristics between floccular and granular sludge are different.