A basic spectrophotometric study of a commercially produced sodium salt of Kraft lignin (Indulin C) was performed. The method of quantitative determination of Indulin C based on its absorbance at 276 nm has been found to be applicable.
The spectra were also studied by means of derivative UV-spectrophotometry, which is recommended for theoretical studies of electronic spectral behaviour of lignins and lignin model compounds. Linear dependences were found between Indulin C concentration and the second derivative of spectrum at 250 nm and 276 nm.
Both methods were used for determining the lignin degrading ability of the basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium and their suitability is discussed.