EEM–PARAFAC was successfully applied to track fluorescent DOM in MBRs.
Tryptophan-like component can be used as the surrogate of EPS production in sludge.
Tyrosine-like component is closely related to the stability of sludge.
Tryptophan-like component is transformed to microbial humic-like component.
Protein-like components are mostly responsible for membrane fouling in MBRs.