Anaerobic degradation of nonylphenol in sludge

Occurrence, potential ecological risks, and degradation of endocrine disrupter, nonylphenol, from the aqueous environment

Nonylphenol (NP) is considered a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical affecting humans and the environment. Due to widespread occurrence in the aquatic environment and neuro-, immuno, reproductive, and estrogenic effects, nonylphenol calls for considerable attention from the scientific community, researchers, government officials, and the public. It can persist in the environment, especially soil, for a long duration because of its high hydrophobic nature. Nonylphenol is incorporated into the water matrices via agricultural run-off, wastewater effluents, agricultural sources, and groundwater leakage from the soil. In this regard, assessment of the source, fate, toxic effect, and removal of nonylphenol seems a high-priority concern. Remediation of nonylphenol is possible through physicochemical and microbial methods. Microbial methods are widely used due to ecofriendly in nature. The microbial strains of the genera, Sphingomonas, Sphingobium, Pseudomonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, Thauera, Novosphingonium, Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, Clostridium, Arthrobacter, Acidovorax, Maricurvus, Rhizobium, Corynebacterium, Rhodococcus, Burkholderia, Acinetobacter, Aspergillus, Pleurotus, Trametes, Clavariopsis, Candida, Phanerochaete, Bjerkandera, Mucor, Fusarium and Metarhizium have been reported for their potential role in the degradation of NP via its metabolic pathway. This study outlines the recent information on the occurrence, origin, and potential ecological and human-related risks of nonylphenol. The current development in the removal of nonylphenol from the environment using different methods is discussed. Despite the significant importance of nonylphenol and its effects on the environment, the number of studies in this area is limited. This review gives an in-depth understanding of NP occurrence, fate, toxicity, and remediation from the environments.

Enhancing Phenol Conversion Rates in Saline Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Using Acetate and Butyrate as Additional Carbon and Energy Sources

Phenolic industrial wastewater, such as those from coal gasification, are considered a challenge for conventional anaerobic wastewater treatment systems because of its extreme characteristics such as presence of recalcitrant compounds, high toxicity, and salinity. However, anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) are considered of potential interest since they retain all micro-organism that are required for conversion of the complex organics. In this study, the degradation of phenol as main carbon and energy source (CES) in AnMBRs at high salinity (8.0 g Na⁺⋅L^–1) was evaluated, as well as the effect of acetate and an acetate-butyrate mixture as additional CES on the specific phenol conversion rate and microbial community structure. Three different experiments in two lab-scale (6.5 L) AnMBRs (35°C) were conducted. The first reactor (R1) was fed with phenol as the main CES, the second reactor was fed with phenol and either acetate [2 g COD⋅L^–1], or a 2:1 acetate-butyrate [2 g COD⋅L^–1] mixture as additional CES. Results showed that phenol conversion could not be sustained when phenol was the sole CES. In contrast, when the reactor was fed with acetate or an acetate-butyrate mixture, specific phenol conversion rates of 115 and 210 mgPh⋅gVSS^–1 d^–1, were found, respectively. The syntrophic phenol degrader Syntrophorhabdus sp. and the acetoclastic methanogen Methanosaeta sp. were the dominant bacteria and archaea, respectively, with corresponding relative abundances of up to 63 and 26%. The findings showed that dosage of additional CES allowed the development of a highly active phenol-degrading biomass, potentially improving the treatment of industrial and chemical wastewaters.

A review on treatment of petroleum refinery and petrochemical plant wastewater: A special emphasis on constructed wetlands

Petroleum refinery and petrochemical plants (PRPP) are one of the major contributors to toxic and recalcitrant organic polluted water, which has become a significant concern in the field of environmental engineering. Several contaminants of PRPP wastewater are genotoxic, phytotoxic, and carcinogenic, thereby imposing detrimental effects on the environment. Many biological processes were able to achieve chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal ranging from 60% to 90%, and their retention time usually ranged from 10 to 100 days. These methods were not efficient in removing the petroleum hydrocarbons present in PRPP wastewater and produced a significant amount of oily sludge. Advanced oxidation processes achieved the same COD removal efficiency in a few hours and were able to break down recalcitrant organic compounds. However, the associated high cost is a significant drawback concerning PRPP wastewater treatment. In this context, constructed wetlands (CWs) could effectively remove the recalcitrant organic fraction of the wastewater because of the various inherent mechanisms involved, such as phytodegradation, rhizofiltration, microbial degradation, sorption, etc. In this review, we found that CWs were efficient in handling large quantities of high strength PRPP wastewater exhibiting average COD removal of around 80%. Horizontal subsurface flow CWs exhibited better performance than the free surface and floating CWs. These systems could also effectively remove heavy oil and recalcitrant organic compounds, with an average removal efficiency exceeding 80% and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, modifications by varying the aeration system, purposeful hybridization, and identifying the suitable substrate led to the enhanced performance of the systems.

Increasing oxygen transfer efficiency through sorption enhancing strategies

The link between aeration efficiency and biosorption capacity in water resource recovery facilities was extensively investigated, with special emphasis on wastewater characteristics and the development of strategies to maximize adsorption. Biosorption of oxygen transfer inhibitors (i.e., surfactants, colloidal, and soluble fractions) was examined by a series of pilot batch-scale experiments and full-scale studies. The impact of a sorption-enhancing strategy (i.e., bioaugmentation) deployed at full-scale over a five-year period was evaluated. Bench-scale experiments determined the inhibition coefficient (Ki) to measure the impact of surfactants and COD fractions as inhibitors of oxygen transfer efficiencies (αSOTE) in wastewater systems. The inhibition constant for surfactants Ki was found at 2.4 ± 0.4 mg L^-1 SDS while for colloidal material was at 14 ± 1 mg L^-1 (no inhibition for soluble fraction was found). Two enhancing biosorption configurations (i.e., contact stabilization and anaerobic selector) resulted in significant improvements in both aeration efficiency indicators (αSOTE) and surfactants removals. αSOTE improvements of 46% and 54% in comparison to conventional high rate activated sludge process (HRAS) were reported. Similarly, the removal of surfactants was increased by 27% and 56% using optimized enhancing-sorption strategies. Further analyses helped elucidate the underlying mechanisms of surfactants removal. Findings are expected to help full-scale applications increase their sorption potential as well as the concurrent aeration efficiency, which helps WRRFs to advance toward energy-positive wastewater treatments.

Phthalic acid esters in the sea-surface microlayer, seawater and sediments of the East China Sea: Spatiotemporal variation and ecological risk assessment

The spatial and temporal distribution, congener profiles and ecological risk of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) were investigated in the seawater and sediment samples from the East China Sea in spring and autumn. The average concentrations of ΣPAEs in water samples were 3.16 ± 2.16 μg L^-1 in autumn and 1.63 ± 1.20 μg L^-1 in spring. The ΣPAEs in sediment was much higher than that in seawater, with an average value of 7.36 ± 6.70 mg kg^-1 (dw). PAEs levels in the sea-surface microlayer (SML) in spring were 3.61 ± 3.36 μg L^-1, indicating that the PAEs were noticeably concentrated in the SML, with an average enrichment factor of 2.10. Among the 16 PAE congeners, di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the preponderant PAEs in both sediment and seawater samples. Additionally, PAE concentrations in autumn were higher than those in spring, and this difference resulted mainly from the terrigenous input and marine transportation. The horizontal distributions of PAEs showed an opposite distribution pattern to salinity and temperature, a pattern which might be influenced by the inputs of fresh water. The vertical distributions of ΣPAEs were characterized by high concentrations in the surface waters, with a slight decrease with depth, and then an increase close to the seabed. The results of ecological risk in the water-phase showed that the level of potential risk followed the order of DEHP > DiBP and DnBP > DMP and DEP, which posed a high (DEHP), medium (DiBP and DnBP) and low (DMP and DEP) risk to the sensitive organisms, respectively. For the sediment-phase, DiBP and DnBP represented a high risk to the sensitive organisms, whereas DMP, DEP and DEHP had only a low risk.

Microbial transformation of widely used pharmaceutical and personal care product compounds

Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are commonly used chemicals that are increasingly detected in urban-impacted environments, particularly those receiving treated wastewater. PPCPs may have toxicological effects on the macrofauna that are exposed through contaminated water; thus, there is interest in microbially mediated transformations that may degrade PPCPs. This review discusses specific examples of PPCP transformations that may occur in anoxic environments, including O-methylation and O-demethylation.

Phthalate esters in biota, air and water in an agricultural area of western China, with emphasis on bioaccumulation and human exposure

Phthalate esters (PAEs) have been shown to be ubiquitous in abiotic and biotic environmental compartments; however, information about bioaccumulation behavior and human exposure, both via environmental exposure and the diet, are limited. Herein, we report the concentrations and composition profiles of phthalate esters (PAEs) in biological samples, river water, indoor air, and outdoor air samples collected from an agricultural site in western China. Dibutyl phthalate (DNBP) occupied a relatively high abundance in biological samples, discrepant with the environmental samples in which di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the dominant congener. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the biota and river water samples, indicating that river water heavily influenced PAE accumulation in biological samples. The mean log Bioaccumulation Factors (BAFs) varied from 0.91 to 2.96, which implies that most PAE congeners are not likely to accumulate in organisms. No obvious trends were observed between log octanol-water partition coefficient (K_OW) and log BAF values, nor between log octanol-air partition coefficient (K_OW) and biota-air accumulation factors (BAAFs). Nevertheless, the calculated log air-water partitioning factors (AWPFs) of diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) were similar to predicted values whereas those for diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), DNBP and DEHP were significantly higher. The estimated daily intakes of PAEs via food ingestion and environmental exposure were 15, 9.4 and 1.2 ng/kg-bw/day in toddlers, children and adults, respectively, laying at the low end of the reported data and well below the reference dose.

Occurrence, fate and toxic effects of the industrial endocrine disrupter, nonylphenol, on plants - A review

Nonylphenol (NP) and its detrimental effects on the environment, humans, wildlife, fish and birds is an increasingly important global research focus. The number of investigations on the toxicity and metabolic fate of NP in plants is however limited. This paper reviews the prevalence and source of NP in plants and the effect it has on its morphological, physiological and ultrastructural status. Fruit and vegetables have been found to contain levels of NP that is twenty-fold exceeding the no observable effect level (NOEL) of freshwater algae. Apart from the potential risk this poses to the health of consumers, it can overburden the plant's natural defence system, leading to growth disorders. Plants exposed to NP show signs of overall growth reduction, changes in organelle structure and oxidative damage. These adverse effects may exacerbate the food security dilemma faced by many countries and impede their progress towards attaining the sustainable development goals.

Simultaneous enhancement of nonylphenol biodegradation and short-chain fatty acids production in waste activated sludge under acidogenic conditions

Nonylphenol (NP) biodegradation in waste activated sludge (WAS) under anaerobic conditions is usually slow, and no information on NP biodegradation under acidogenic conditions is currently available. In this study, the simultaneous enhancement of NP biodegradation and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) accumulation in a WAS fermentation system under acidogenic conditions was accomplished by controlling pH 10 and adding sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). The biodegradation efficiency of NP was found to be 55.5% within 8 d under acidogenic conditions, much higher than that in the control (24.6%). Meanwhile, the concentration of SCFAs under the same conditions for NP biodegradation was increased from 2234 mg COD/L (control) to 4691 mg COD/L (at pH 10 with SLS). Mechanism study revealed that the abundances of both NP-degrading microorganisms and acidogenic bacteria increased under acidogenic conditions. Altering the enzymatic activity and the quantity of functional genes in the acidogenic fermentation system were beneficial to NP biodegradation and SCFAs accumulation. Furthermore, organic substrates available for uptake by NP-degrading and acidogenic bacteria, i.e. NP, protein and carbohydrate, were released from WAS under acidogenic conditions. More importantly, intermediate substrates involved in acidogenic fermentation were advantageous to the cometabolic biodegradation of NP.

Acidogenic bacteria assisted biodegradation of nonylphenol in waste activated sludge during anaerobic fermentation for short-chain fatty acids production

Nonylphenol (NP) biodegradation under anaerobic conditions is difficult. Here, enhancement of anaerobic NP biodegradation mainly by regulating the role of acidogenic bacteria during anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge (WAS) for short-chain fatty acids production is reported. The maximum degradation efficiency of NP (69.4%) was achieved under conditions of pH 10.0 and 10 mg/L Brij 35 within 8 d, which was nearly 3-fold of that in the control (24.6%). Mechanism exploration revealed that the bioavailability of NP and specific NP-degrading bacteria and their functional genes were advantageous to NP biodegradation with alkaline pH and surfactant. More importantly, acidogenic bacteria, the dominant functional bacteria in WAS fermentation systems, were demonstrated to be involved in NP anaerobic biodegradation by providing intermediate organic substrates, as well as through their intrinsic NP-degrading abilities. Possible pathways of NP biodegradation assisted by acidogenic bacteria during anaerobic fermentation were also proposed based on the detected metabolites.

Role of methanogenesis on the biotransformation of organic micropollutants during anaerobic digestion

Several studies showed that some organic micropollutants (OMPs) are biotransformed during anaerobic digestion (AD). Yet, most of them aim at reporting removal efficiencies instead of understanding the biotransformation process. Indeed, how each of the main AD stages (i.e., hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis) contribute to OMP biotransformation remains unknown. This study focuses on investigating the role of methanogenesis, the most characteristic step of AD, to OMP removal. More specifically, the sorption and the biotransformation of 20 OMPs by methanogenic biomass were analyzed determining their concentrations in both liquid and solid phases. Sorption onto methanogenic biomass displayed a similar behavior as reported for digested sludge. Most of the OMPs were biotransformed to a medium extent (35-70%) and only sulfamethoxazole was completely removed. Comparing these results with those reported for the complete AD process, methanogenesis was proven to play a key role, accounting for more than 50% of the OMP biotransformation (except for roxithromycin) during AD. An increase in the organic loading rate from 1 to 2gCOD/Ld, typical loads employed in sewage sludge anaerobic digesters, did not exert a clear cometabolic effect on the OMPs biotransformation. It is hypothesized that biotransformation occurs in both liquid and solid phases because no link between the partition coefficient (Kd) and the overall biotransformation efficiency was found. These findings allow a better understanding of the OMPs fate under anaerobic conditions, which is necessary to design efficient biological mitigation strategies.

Progress in the biological and chemical treatment technologies for emerging contaminant removal from wastewater: A critical review

This review focuses on the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) by biological, chemical and hybrid technologies in effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Results showed that endocrine disruption chemicals (EDCs) were better removed by membrane bioreactor (MBR), activated sludge and aeration processes among different biological processes. Surfactants, EDCs and personal care products (PCPs) can be well removed by activated sludge process. Pesticides and pharmaceuticals showed good removal efficiencies by biological activated carbon. Microalgae treatment processes can remove almost all types of ECs to some extent. Other biological processes were found less effective in ECs removal from wastewater. Chemical oxidation processes such as ozonation/H₂O₂, UV photolysis/H₂O₂ and photo-Fenton processes can successfully remove up to 100% of pesticides, beta blockers and pharmaceuticals, while EDCs can be better removed by ozonation and UV photocatalysis. Fenton process was found less effective in the removal of any types of ECs. A hybrid system based on ozonation followed by biological activated carbon was found highly efficient in the removal of pesticides, beta blockers and pharmaceuticals. A hybrid ozonation-ultrasound system can remove up to 100% of many pharmaceuticals. Future research directions to enhance the removal of ECs have been elaborated.

Uptake and Elimination of 4-Nonylphenol in the Enchytraeid Enchytraeus albidus

We determined the uptake and elimination kinetics of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in Enchytraeus albidus. A relatively fast degradation of 4-NP in test soil occurred at 20°C (λ = 0.11 day(-1)). The concentration of 4-NP in worm tissue followed a three-phase kinetics model, with a short phase of fast 4-NP accumulation shortly after exposure start (k u = 0.97 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), followed by partial elimination (K e1 = 1.47 day(-1)) until reaching the equilibrium phase (A = 44.7 mg kg(-1) fresh tissue), and finally the elimination upon transfer to uncontaminated soil (K e2 = 0.67 day(-1)). During uptake, the internal concentration was similar to the concentration found in the soil, with a BAF ~ 1. In un-spiked soil, elimination took place within the first 24 h (elimination t1/2 ~ 1 day).

Environmental occurrence and biota concentration of phthalate esters in Epe and Lagos Lagoons, Nigeria

The high global occurrence of phthalates in different environmental matrixes has resulted in the detection of their metabolites in human urine, blood, and breast milk, indicating a widespread human exposure. In addition, the notorious endocrine disrupting effects of phthalates have shown that they mimic or antagonize the action of endogenous hormones, consequently producing adverse effects on reproduction, growth and development. Herein, we have studied the occurrence of phthalate esters (PEs) in water, sediment and biota of two lagoons (Epe and Lagos) in Nigeria. Two fish species (Tilapia guineensis, and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) and a crustacean (the African river prawn--Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) were analyzed for PEs levels using a HPLC method and the derived values were used for calculating bioconcentration factor (BCF), biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) and phthalate pollution index (PPI) in the biota and environment. We observed that the growth and health condition of the fish species were normal with a k-factor of >1. Sediment PE levels were compared with water, at both lagoons showing concentration pattern that is characterized as DEHP = DEP > DBP. We observed that DBP was the predominant compound in T. guineensis, C. nigrodigitatus and African prawn, at both lagoons, showing organ-specific differences in bioconcentration (BCF and BSAF) patterns in the fish species. While there were no observed consistency in the pattern of PE concentration in fish organs, elevated DBP levels in different fish organs may be related to fish habitat and degradation level of phthalates. Low concentration of DEHP, compared with DBP and DEP, was measured in fish organs and whole prawn body. The BSAF values for DEHP were lowest, and highest for DBP for all species at both lagoons, and DEHP easily accumulated more in the sediment (sediment PPI = 0.28 and 0.16 for Epe and Lagos lagoon, respectively). Overall, our findings suggest a broader environmental and human health implication of the high PE levels in these lagoons since they represent significant sources of aquatic food resources for the neighboring communities.

Anaerobic biodegradation of nonylphenol in river sediment under nitrate- or sulfate-reducing conditions and associated bacterial community

Nonylphenol (NP) is a commonly detected pollutant in aquatic ecosystem and can be harmful to aquatic organisms. Anaerobic degradation is of great importance for the clean-up of NP in sediment. However, information on anaerobic NP biodegradation in the environment is still very limited. The present study investigated the shift in bacterial community structure associated with NP degradation in river sediment microcosms under nitrate- or sulfate-reducing conditions. Nearly 80% of NP (100 mg kg(-1)) could be removed under these two anaerobic conditions after 90 or 110 days' incubation. Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis indicated that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi became the dominant phylum groups with NP biodegradation. The proportion of Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria and Choloroflexi showed a marked increase in nitrate-reducing microcosm, while Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes in sulfate-reducing microcosm. Moreover, sediment bacterial diversity changed with NP biodegradation, which was dependent on type of electron acceptor.

Occurrence, Species, and Organ Differences in Bioaccumulation Patterns of Phthalate Esters in Municipal Domestic Water Supply Lakes in Ibadan, Nigeria

The occurrence of phthalate esters (PE) was examined in biota, ambient water, and sediments of two man-made lakes (Asejire and Eleyele) in southwestern Nigeria. Five fish species (Tilapia zillii, Hepsetus odoe, Parachanna obscura, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, and Mormyrus rume) were analyzed for PE levels and used for calculating bioconcentration factors (BCF) and biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF). In addition, measured PE levels were thereafter used to calculate the phthalate pollution index (PPI) in biota and the environment. At both lakes, all sampled species had k-factor > 1, showing apparently normal growth and health condition. Higher PE levels were found in sediments compared with water at both lakes, with a pattern showing that di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was predominant PE. While there were no unique patterns of PE concentrations in both lakes, differences were observed in organ concentration patterns that were evident at both lakes. For T. zillii, the BSAF was higher for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) compared to diethyl phthalate (DEP) and lowest for DEHP. The concentration pattern demonstrated that DBP concentrated more in gills (BCF: 6.7), while DEHP concentrated more in liver (BCF: 15.2) of T. zillii at Asejire. At Eleyele, T. zillii liver and gills concentrated less DEP and DEHP. The PPI value was significantly higher in sediment with respective values of 0.27 and 0.44 at Asejire and Eleyele lakes compared with water with respective values of 0.1 and 0.18 at Asejire and Eleyele lakes. Overall, our findings suggest a broader environmental and human health implication of high PE levels in these lakes, since they provide vast water volumes that are used for municipal domestic water supply. Further, these lakes support intense artisanal fisheries, representing significant sources of aquatic food resources for neighboring communities.

Priority and emerging pollutants in sewage sludge and fate during sludge treatment

This paper aims at characterizing the quality of different treated sludges from Paris conurbation in terms of micropollutants and assessing their fate during different sludge treatment processes (STP). To achieve this, a large panel of priority and emerging pollutants (n=117) have been monitored in different STPs from Parisian wastewater treatment plants including anaerobic digestion, thermal drying, centrifugation and a sludge cake production unit. Considering the quality of treated sludges, comparable micropollutant patterns are found for the different sludges investigated (in mg/kg DM - dry matter). 35 compounds were detected in treated sludges. Some compounds (metals, organotins, alkylphenols, DEHP) are found in every kinds of sludge while pesticides or VOCs are never detected. Sludge cake is the most contaminated sludge, resulting from concentration phenomenon during different treatments. As regards treatments, both centrifugation and thermal drying have broadly no important impact on sludge contamination for metals and organic compounds, even if a slight removal seems to be possible with thermal drying for several compounds by abiotic transfers. Three different behaviors can be highlighted in anaerobic digestion: (i) no removal (metals), (ii) removal following dry matter (DM) elimination (organotins and NP) and iii) removal higher than DM (alkylphenols - except NP - BDE 209 and DEHP). Thus, this process allows a clear removal of biodegradable micropollutants which could be potentially significantly improved by increasing DM removal through operational parameters modifications (retention time, temperature, pre-treatment, etc.).

Fate of selected emerging micropollutants during mesophilic, thermophilic and temperature co-phased anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge

The removal of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was studied in three lab-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) systems; a single-stage mesophilic, a single-stage thermophilic and a two-stage thermophilic/mesophilic. All micropollutants underwent microbial degradation. High removal efficiency (>80%) was calculated for diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen; whereas triclosan, bisphenol A and the sum of nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP1EO) and nonylphenol diethoxylate were moderately removed (40-80%). NSAIDs removal was not affected by the type of AD system used; whereas slightly higher EDCs removal was observed in two-stage system. In this system, most microcontaminants were removed in thermophilic digester. Biotransformation of NP1EO and NP was affected by the temperature applied to bioreactors. Under mesophilic conditions, higher removal of NP1EO and accumulation of NP was noticed; whereas the opposite was observed under thermophilic conditions. For most analytes, higher specific removal rates were calculated under thermophilic conditions and 20 days SRT.

The bioconcentration and degradation of nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxylates by Chlorella vulgaris

Nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPnEOs), a major class of nonionic surfactants, can easily enter into aquatic environments through various pathways due to their wide applications, which leads to the extensive existence of their relative stable metabolites, namely nonylphenol (NP) and mono- to tri-ethoxylates. This study investigated the bioconcentration and degradation of NP and NPnEO oligomers (n = 1–12) by a green algae, Chlorella vulgaris. Experimental results showed that C. vulgaris can remove NP from water phase efficiently, and bioconcentration and degradation accounted for approximately half of its loss, respectively, with a 48 h BCF (bioconcentration factor) of 2.42 × 10³. Moreover, C. vulgaris could concentrate and degrade NPnEOs, distribution profiles of the series homologues of the NPnEOs in algae and water phase were quite different from the initial homologue profile. The 48 h BCF of the NPnEO homologues increased with the length of the EO chain. Degradation extent of total NPnEOs by C. vulgaris was 95.7%, and only 1.1% remained in water phase, and the other 3.2% remained in the algal cells. The algae removed the NPnEOs mainly through degradation. Due to rapid degradation, concentrations of the long chain NPnEO homologous in both water (n ≥ 2) and the algal phase (n ≥ 5) was quite low at the end of a 48 h experiment.

Solid waste deposits as a significant source of contaminants of emerging concern to the aquatic and terrestrial environments - a developing country case study from Owerri, Nigeria

In developing countries, there are needs for scientific basis to sensitize communities on the problems arising from improper solid waste deposition and the acute and long-term consequences for areas receiving immobilized pollutants. In Nigeria, as in many other African countries, solid waste disposal by way of open dumping has been the only management option for such wastes. Herein, we have highlighted the challenges of solid waste deposit and management in developing countries, focusing on contaminants of emerging concern and leaching into the environment. We have analyzed sediments and run-off water samples from a solid waste dumping site in Owerri, Nigeria for organic load and compared these with data from representative world cities. Learning from previous incidents, we intend to introduce some perspective for awareness of contaminants of emerging concerns such as those with potential endocrine disrupting activities in wildlife and humans. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained by gas chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis (GC-MS) provide an overview on lipophilic and semi-polar substances released from solid waste, accumulated in sediments and transported via leachates. The chromatograms of the full scan analyses of the sediment extracts clearly point to contamination related to heavy oil. The homologous series of n-alkanes with chain lengths ranging between C16 and C30, as well as detected polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds such as anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene support the assumption that diesel fuel or high boiling fractions of oil are deposited on the site. Targeted quantitative analysis for selected compounds showed high concentration of substances typically released from man-made products such as plastics, textiles, household and consumer products. Phthalate, an integral component of plastic products, was the dominant compound group in all sediment samples and run-off water samples. Technical nonylphenols (mixture of isomers), metabolites of non-ionic surfactants (nonylphenol-polyethoxylates), UV-filter compound ethyl methoxy cinnamate (EHMC) and bisphenol A (BPA) were particularly determined in the sediment samples at high μg/kg dry weight concentration. Measuring contaminants in such areas will help in increasing governmental, societal and industrial awareness on the extent and seriousness of the contamination both at waste disposal sites and surrounding terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Review on the fate of emerging contaminants during sludge anaerobic digestion

Several research papers have been published during the last years investigating the occurrence, fate and effects of emerging contaminants (ECs) on sludge anaerobic digestion (AD). Literature review revealed that research has been mainly focused on specific groups of compounds (linear alkylbenzene sulphonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, some pharmaceuticals, estrogens, phthalates), while there are fewer or no data for others (personal care products, perfluorinated compounds, brominated flame retardants, organotins, benzotriazoles, benzothiazoles, nanoparticles). AD operational parameters (sludge residence time, temperature), sludge characteristics (type of sludge, adaptation on the compound), physicochemical properties of ECs and co-metabolic phenomena seem to affect compounds' biodegradation. The use of sludge pretreatment methods does not seem to enhance ECs removal; whereas encouraging results have been reported when AD was combined with other treatment methods. Future efforts should be focused on better understanding of biotransformation processes and sorption phenomena occurred in anaerobic digesters, as well as on identification of (bio)transformation products.

Biodegradation of nonylphenols using nitrifying sludge, 4-chlorophenol-adapted consortia and activated sludge in liquid and solid phases

The biodegradation of a technical mixture of nonylphenols (tNP) with three different biomasses (nitrifying sludge, 4-chlorophenol-adapted consortia and activated sludge) was evaluated in batch tests. The tNP degradation was determined in solid and liquid phases. The three biomasses studied were able to biodegrade the technical mixture of nonylphenols. It was found that 33% to 44% of the initial tNP was adsorbed on to the sludge after 250 h. Nitrifying sludge presented the highest biodegradation percentage (43.1% +/- 2.3%) and degradation rate (3.10 x 10(-3) micromol/d). Acclimated 4-chlorophenol and activated sludge degraded 34.3% +/- 1.2% and 18.2% +/- 0.5% of the initial tNP, respectively. Actual half-life times of 10.9, 12.0 and 22.8 days were obtained for the biodegradation of tNP by nitrifying, acclimated 4-chlorophenol and activated sludge, respectively. It was concluded that, although nitrifiying biomass posses a high initial adsorption rate, this biomass can also biodegrade the tNP faster than the other tested biomasses.

The effect of thermal hydrolysis pretreatment on the anaerobic degradation of nonylphenol and short-chain nonylphenol ethoxylates in digested biosolids

The presence of micropollutants can be a concern for land application of biosolids. Of particular interest are nonylphenol diethoxylate (NP(2)EO), nonylphenol monoethoxylate (NP(1)EO), and nonylphenol (NP), collectively referred to as NPE, which accumulate in anaerobically digested biosolids and are subject to regulation based on the environmental risks associated with them. Because biosolids are a valuable nutrient resource, it is essential that we understand how various treatment processes impact the fate of NPE in biosolids. Thermal hydrolysis (TH) coupled with mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD) is an advanced digestion process that destroys pathogens in biosolids and increases methane yields and volatile solids destruction. We investigated the impact of thermal hydrolysis pretreatment on the subsequent biodegradation of NPE in digested biosolids. Biosolids were treated with TH, anaerobic digestion, and aerobic digestion in laboratory-scale reactors, and NPE were analyzed in the influent and effluent of the digesters. NP(2)EO and NP(1)EO have been observed to degrade to the more estrogenic NP under anaerobic conditions; therefore, changes in the ratio of NP:NPE were of interest. The increase in NP:NPE following MAD was 56%; the average increase of this ratio in four sets of TH-MAD samples, however, was only 24.6 ± 3.1%. In addition, TH experiments performed in pure water verified that, during TH, the high temperature and pressure alone did not directly destroy NPE; TH experiments with NP added to sludge also showed that NP was not destroyed by the high temperature and pressure of TH when in a more complex sludge matrix. The post-aerobic digestion phases removed NPE, regardless of whether TH pretreatment occurred. This research indicates that changes in biosolids processing can have impacts beyond just gas production and solids destruction.

The effectiveness of anaerobic digestion in removing estrogens and nonylphenol ethoxylates

The fate and behaviour of two groups of endocrine disrupting chemicals, steroid estrogens and nonylphenol ethoxylates, have been evaluated during the anaerobic digestion of primary and mixed sewage sludge under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. Digestion occurred over six retention times, in laboratory scale reactors, treating sludges collected from a sewage treatment works in the United Kingdom. It has been established that sludge concentrations of both groups of compounds demonstrated temporal variations and that concentrations in mixed sludge were influenced by the presence of waste activated sludge as a result of transformations during aerobic treatment. The biodegradation of total steroid estrogens was >50% during primary sludge digestion with lower removals observed for mixed sludge, which reflected bulk organic solids removal efficiencies. The removal of nonylphenol ethoxylates was greater in mixed sludge digestion (>58%) compared with primary sludge digestion and did not reflect bulk organic removal efficiencies. It is apparent that anaerobic digestion reduces the concentrations of these compounds, and would therefore be expected to confer a degree of protection against exposure and transfer of both groups of compounds to the receiving/re-use environment.

Occurrence and biodegradation of nonylphenol in the environment

Nonylphenol (NP) is an ultimate degradation product of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPE) that is primarily used in cleaning and industrial processes. Its widespread use has led to the wide existence of NP in various environmental matrices, such as water, sediment, air and soil. NP can be decreased by biodegradation through the action of microorganisms under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Half-lives of biodegradation ranged from a few days to almost one hundred days. The degradation rate for NP was influenced by temperature, pH and additions of yeast extracts, surfactants, aluminum sulfate, acetate, pyruvate, lactate, manganese dioxide, ferric chloride, sodium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, heavy metals, and phthalic acid esters. Although NP is present at low concentrations in the environment, as an endocrine disruptor the risks of long-term exposure to low concentrations remain largely unknown. This paper reviews the occurrence of NP in the environment and its aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation in natural environments and sewage treatment plants, which is essential for assessing the potential risk associated with low level exposure to NP and other endocrine disruptors.

Biotransformation of a highly chlorinated PCB mixture in an activated sludge collected from a Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) subjected to anaerobic digestion

The role of anaerobic digestion (AD) on the decontamination and biomethanization of a PCB-spiked sludge obtained from a Membrane Biological Reactor (MBR) pilot plant was investigated throughout a 10-month batch experiment. The study was carried out under mesophilic (35°C) and thermophilic (55°C) conditions and was monitored by means of an integrated chemical, microbiological and molecular biology strategy. Remarkable PCB depletions (higher than 50% of the overall spiked PCBs) and dechlorinations were achieved under methanogenic conditions. The process was not affected by yeast extract addition. Both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, together with some fermentative eubacteria, were found to persist in all PCB biodegrading microcosms. This finding, together with those obtained from parallel microcosms where specific populations were selectively inhibited, suggested that native methanogens played a key role in the biodegradation and dechlorination of the spiked PCBs. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that AD is a feasible option for the decontamination and the efficient disposal (with the production of a CH(4)-rich biogas) of contaminated MBR sludge, which can be then employed as a fertilizer for agricultural purposes.

Influence of feed characteristics on the removal of micropollutants during the anaerobic digestion of contaminated sludge

The removal of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 7 polychlorobiphenyls and nonylphenol was measured during the continuous anaerobic digestion of five different sludge samples. The reactors were fed with one of the following: primary/secondary sludge (PS/SS), thermally treated PS, cellulose-added SS, or SS augmented with dissolved and colloidal matter (DCM). These various feeding conditions induced variable levels of micropollutant bioavailability (assumed to limit their biodegradation) and overall metabolism (supposed to be linked to micropollutant metabolism throughout co-metabolism). On the one hand, overall metabolism was higher with secondary sludge than with primary and the same was observed for micropollutant removal. However, when overall metabolism was enhanced thanks to cellulose addition, a negative influence on micropollutant removal was observed. This suggests that either the co-metabolic synergy would be linked to a specific metabolism or co-metabolism was not the limiting factor in this case. On the other hand, micropollutant bioavailability was presumably diminished by thermal treatment and increased by DCM addition. In both cases, micropollutant removal was reduced. These results suggest that neither overall metabolism nor bioavailability would absolutely limit micropollutant removal. Each phenomenon might alternatively predominate depending on the feed characteristics.

Degradation of 4-n-nonylphenol under nitrate reducing conditions

Nonylphenol (NP) is an endocrine disruptor present as a pollutant in river sediment. Biodegradation of NP can reduce its toxicological risk. As sediments are mainly anaerobic, degradation of linear (4-n-NP) and branched nonylphenol (tNP) was studied under methanogenic, sulphate reducing and denitrifying conditions in NP polluted river sediment. Anaerobic bioconversion was observed only for linear NP under denitrifying conditions. The microbial population involved herein was further studied by enrichment and molecular characterization. The largest change in diversity was observed between the enrichments of the third and fourth generation, and further enrichment did not affect the diversity. This implies that different microorganisms are involved in the degradation of 4-n-NP in the sediment. The major degrading bacteria were most closely related to denitrifying hexadecane degraders and linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) degraders. The molecular structures of alkanes and LAS are similar to the linear chain of 4-n-NP, this might indicate that the biodegradation of linear NP under denitrifying conditions starts at the nonyl chain. Initiation of anaerobic NP degradation was further tested using phenol as a structure analogue. Phenol was chosen instead of an aliphatic analogue, because phenol is the common structure present in all NP isomers while the structure of the aliphatic chain differs per isomer. Phenol was degraded in all cases, but did not affect the linear NP degradation under denitrifying conditions and did not initiate the degradation of tNP and linear NP under the other tested conditions.

PAH fate during the anaerobic digestion of contaminated sludge: Do bioavailability and/or cometabolism limit their biodegradation?

The anaerobic removal of 13 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) was measured in five continuous anaerobic digestors with different feed sludge, in which abiotic losses were neglected. These feeds were chosen to generate different levels of PAH bioavailability and cometabolism within the reactors. Based on the accurate modelling of PAH sorption in sludge, the aqueous fraction (including free and sorbed-to-dissolved-and-colloidal-matter PAHs) was demonstrated to be bioavailable, which validated a widespread assumption about micropollutants bioavailability in sludge. It was also demonstrated that bioavailability is not the only influencing factor. Indeed, PAHs biodegradation resulted from a combination of bioavailability and cometabolism. An equation adapted from Criddle (1993, The Kinetics of Cometabolism. Biotechnology and Bioengineering 41, 1048-1056) that takes into account both mechanisms was shown to fit the experimental data, with dry matter removal rate identified as the criteria for cometabolism. The existence of a threshold of dry matter cometabolism was suggested, below which PAHs removal would not be possible. The parameters of the Criddle equation were demonstrated to depend on PAH molecular structure, and the results suggest that they would also be influenced by substrate composition and microbial population. This research provided original outcomes for the assessment of micropollutants fate. Indeed, the understanding of the driving mechanisms was improved, which has implications for the optimization of micropollutants removal.

Toxicity of xenobiotics during sulfate, iron, and nitrate reduction in primary sewage sludge suspensions

The effect and persistence of six organic xenobiotics was tested under sulfate-, iron-, and nitrate-reducing conditions in primary sewage sludge suspensions. The xenobiotics tested were acenaphthene, phenanthrene, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) added to initial analytical concentrations of 54-117 mgL(-1). The suspensions were incubated at 30 degrees C for 15 weeks and rates of sulfate, iron, and nitrate reduction were estimated from the time course of hydrogen sulfide accumulation, Fe(II) accumulation, and nitrate depletion, respectively. Chemical analysis showed that the xenobiotics were persistent under the different electron acceptor regimes for the duration of the experiment. This was partly attributed to low bioavailability and microbial toxicity of the xenobiotics. Rates of anaerobic respiration in control suspensions (without added xenobiotics) showed a weekly reduction potential of 0.84 mM SO(4)(2-), 0.92 mM Fe(III), and 9.25 mM NO(3)(-). All three processes were completely inhibited by 1,2,4-TCB (54 mgL(-1)) whereas there was no significant (P<0.05) toxicity of phenanthrene (109 mgL(-1)) and DEHP (105 mgL(-1)). Sulfate reduction was inhibited completely by LAS (105 mgL(-1)), 76% by acenaphthene (54 mgL(-1)) and 57% by 4-NP (117 mgL(-1)), and likewise iron reduction was inhibited 62% by LAS and 55% by 4-NP (the latter though at P<0.10). Nitrate reduction was not significantly inhibited by acenaphthene and 4-NP and furthermore was resistant to LAS toxicity (105 mgL(-1)). Nitrate reduction also had the highest potential for mineralization of organic matter and thus was the most robust of the tested anaerobic processes in the sewage sludge suspensions.

Biodegradation of pharmaceutical and personal care products

Medical treatments and personal hygiene lead to the steady release of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) into the environment. Some of these PPCPs have been shown to have detrimental environmental effects and could potentially impact human health. Understanding the biological transformation of PPCPs is essential for accurately determining their ultimate environmental fate, conducting accurate risk assessments, and improving PPCP removal. We summarize the current literature concerning the biological transformation of PPCPs in wastewater treatment plants, the environment, and by pure cultures of bacterial isolates. Although some PPCPs, such as ibuprofen, are readily degraded under most studied conditions, others, such as carbamazepine, tend to be recalcitrant. This variation in the biodegradability of PPCPs can be attributed to structural differences, because PPCPs are classified by application, not chemical structure. The degradation pathways of octylphenol by Sphingomonas sp. strain PWE1, ibuprofen by Sphingomonas sp. strain Ibu-2, and DEET by Pseudomonas putida DTB are discussed in more detail.

Distribution of endocrine disruptors in the Mondego River estuary, Portugal

Recent studies in the Mondego River estuary demonstrated signs of pollution in the area, but the nature of the contamination remains unexplored. Because there seems to be any studies in that zone checking for the simultaneous presence of xenoestrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds, either of animal (estradiol and estrone), vegetal (daidzein, genistein and biochanin A), pharmaceutical (17alpha-ethynylestradiol) or industrial (bisphenol A, 4-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol) origins, the main objective of this study was to investigate their presence, in every year season and at eight points along the estuarine gradient. For this propose, water samples (2 L) were collected in high and low tides, preconcentrated in the Oasis HLB cartridges and cleaned in silica cartridges before their analysis by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS. The current data showed the absence of contamination by animal or pharmaceutical estrogens and by alkylphenols, but demonstrated the presence of high levels of phytoestrogens (up to 1.1 mug/L) and of bisphenol A (up to 880.0 ng/L). Because these two chemicals existed in high environmental concentrations in the most upstream sampling station, and taking in account that these pollutants may additively contribute to endocrine disruption, namely on fish, it was concluded that at least this particularly area of the Mondego estuary deserves continuous monitoring programmes.

Removal mechanisms for endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in wastewater treatment - physical means, biodegradation, and chemical advanced oxidation: a review

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are pollutants with estrogenic or androgenic activity at very low concentrations and are emerging as a major concern for water quality. Within the past few decades, more and more target chemicals were monitored as the source of estrogenic or androgenic activity in wastewater, and great endeavors have been done on the removal of EDCs in wastewater. This article reviewed removal of EDCs from three aspects, that is, physical means, biodegradation, and chemical advanced oxidation (CAO).

Fate of a branched nonylphenol isomer in submerged paddy soils amended with nitrate

Using a (14)C-labelled branched isomer of NP, the fate of NP was studied in two flooded typical paddy soils under anoxic conditions. Biodegradation of NP occurred under anoxic conditions and was accompanied by the production of polar metabolites and bound residues in alkaline soil extract and humin. The addition of nitrate (20mM) increased the degradation of NP in both soils, especially in soil derived from silt loam deposit, which contained high amounts of organic matter. Less than 1% NP mineralization was detected as free CO(2) in both soils, whereas up to 30, 21, 31% of NP residues comprised at least two polar metabolites, those extractable from humic substances and from the humin fraction, respectively. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of DNA extract of the soil microorganisms hinted differences of microbial community between soils with different degradation rates of NP. The present study provides for the first time information about the fate of a branched nonylphenol isomer in submerged soils amended with nitrate. The production of high amounts of polar metabolites under anoxic conditions suggests the necessity of also considering the fate and possible effects of the degradation products of NP in anoxic environment such as in waterlogged soil.

Nonylphenol in the environment: a critical review on occurrence, fate, toxicity and treatment in wastewaters

Nonylphenol is a toxic xenobiotic compound classified as an endocrine disrupter capable of interfering with the hormonal system of numerous organisms. It originates principally from the degradation of nonylphenol ethoxylates which are widely used as industrial surfactants. Nonylphenol ethoxylates reach sewage treatment works in substantial quantities where they biodegrade into several by-products including nonylphenol. Due to its physical-chemical characteristics, such as low solubility and high hydrophobicity, nonylphenol accumulates in environmental compartments that are characterised by high organic content, typically sewage sludge and river sediments, where it persists. The occurrence of nonylphenol in the environment is clearly correlated with anthropogenic activities such as wastewater treatment, landfilling and sewage sludge recycling. Nonylphenol is found often in matrices such as sewage sludge, effluents from sewage treatment works, river water and sediments, soil and groundwater. The impacts of nonylphenol in the environment include feminization of aquatic organisms, decrease in male fertility and the survival of juveniles at concentrations as low as 8.2 microg/l. Due to the harmful effects of the degradation products of nonylphenol ethoxylates in the environment, the use and production of such compounds have been banned in EU countries and strictly monitored in many other countries such as Canada and Japan. Although it has been shown that the concentration of nonylphenol in the environment is decreasing, it is still found at concentrations of 4.1 microg/l in river waters and 1 mg/kg in sediments. Nonylphenol has been referred to in the list of priority substances in the Water Frame Directive and in the 3rd draft Working Document on Sludge of the EU. Consequently there is currently a concern within some industries about the possibility of future regulations that may impose the removal of trace contaminants from contaminated effluents. The significance of upgrading sewage treatment works with advanced treatment technologies for removal of trace contaminants is discussed.

Impact of sewage sludge treatment processes on the removal of the endocrine disrupters nonylphenol ethoxylates

Several treatment processes of mixed sludge naturally contaminated with nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE) were compared in order to evaluate their efficiency for the removal of these endocrine disrupters. Anaerobic and aerobic treatments were carried out in continuous stirred tank reactors, operated separately or combined together, at mesophilic and thermophilic temperatures and with or without ozone post-treatment. Anaerobic mesophilic removal of NPE consisted of complete removal of nonylphenol diethoxylate, incomplete removal of nonylphenol monoethoxylate and non stoechiometric production of nonylphenol, with consequently a NPE removal of 25%. At thermophilic temperature, anaerobic digestion led to an increase of the total solids removal efficiency, while improving NPE degradation (30%). Under thermophilic aerobic condition, the three compounds were removed simultaneously with a NPE removal efficiency higher than under anaerobic condition (39%). This removal is always well correlated to the total solids removal meaning that bioavailability remains the main limiting factor. Combination of either thermophilic aerobic-mesophilic anaerobic or mesophilic anaerobic-ozonation treatments enhanced the NPE removal by comparison to single systems (45% and 48%, respectively). These results confirm the high potential of existing and up-grading sewage sludge treatments to degrade such refractory and aged compounds.

Study of 4-t-octylphenol degradation and microbial community in granular sludge

In this study, the authors have investigated the effects of various factors on both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP) in granular sludge. In comparison, the aerobic degradation rate was much higher than that of anaerobic degradation. The optimal pH values for 4-t-OP degradation in granular sludge were 9 and 7 under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. And the degradation rate decreased with an increase in the initial 4-t-OP concentration. Addition of yeast extract or homologous compounds such as phenol also enhanced the 4-t-OP degradation, especially under the aerobic condition. To investigate the bacterial community in this study, the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) method was applied, based on the primers, for the 16S rDNA V3 region of bacteria, gamma-proteobacteria and bacillus were identified as the major species of sludge.

Biodegradation of nonylphenoxy carboxylates mixtures in two microcosms

The environmental fate of nonylphenoxy carboxylates (NPECs), a representative class of aerobic biodegradation intermediates of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), is still unclear. In this study, two NPEC mixtures with the ethoxy chain units ranging from 2 to 9 and from 5 to 18, respectively, were synthesized and applied for studying their aerobic biodegradation behaviors in a modified OECD 301 biodegradation test using two kinds of microcosms, a fresh secondary effluent from a sewage treatment plant and a NPEOs enriched consortium. The determination of NPECs and their related compounds were performed by LC/MS. Degradation of NPECs occurred 4-7 days after the start up of tests with producing a concomitant of shorter chain NPECs. The long-chain NPECs mixture demonstrated a higher degradation rate than that of shorter ones. In comparison with the fresh secondary effluent system, the NPEOs enriched one showed a much slower NPECs degradation. No nonylphenol or NPEOs was detected during our survey. The results in this study could provide some useful information for the comprehensive understanding of the environmental fate of NPEOs.

Anaerobic biodegradation of 4-alkylphenols in a paddy soil microcosm supplemented with nitrate

Anaerobic degradation of phenol, p-cresol, 4-n-propylphenol (n-PP), 4-i-propylphenol (i-PP), 4-n-butylphenol (n-BP) and 4-sec-butylphenol (sec-BP) was observed in a paddy soil supplemented with nitrate. We detected the metabolites 4'-hydroxypropiophenone (HPP) from n-PP, 4-i-propenylphenol from i-PP, and 4-(1-butenyl)phenol and 4'-hydroxybutyrophenone (HBP) from n-BP. Compared with the original soils, Betaproteobacteria became predominant in the microcosm during the degradation of phenol and p-cresol whereas no remarkable change was observed in the community degrading propylphenols and butylphenols. The microcosm, however, did not degrade 4-t-butylphenol (t-BP), 4-t-octylphenol (t-OP) and 4-n-octylphenol (n-OP). Paddy soil supplemented with sulfate or iron (III) as electron acceptors did not degrade phenol and 4-alkylphenols with the exception of the degradation of p-cresol in sulfate-reducing conditions. It was demonstrated for the first time that anaerobic microbial degradation of alkylphenols, in a paddy soil supplemented with nitrate as an electron acceptor, occurred via oxidation of the alpha carbon in the alkyl chain.

Determination of nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates in environmental solid samples by ultrasonic-assisted extraction and high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection

A simple and rapid analytical method for the determination of nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOx) in solid environmental samples has been developed. This method combines an ultrasonic-assisted extraction procedure in small columns and an enrichment step onto C(18) solid-phase extraction cartridges prior to separation using HPLC with fluorescence detection. Method optimization was carried out using soil samples fortified at different concentration levels (from 0.1 to 100 microg/g). Under optimum conditions, 2g of soil was placed in small glass columns and extraction was performed assisted by sonication (SAESC) at 45 degrees C in two consecutive steps of 15 min using a mixture of H(2)O/MeOH (30/70). The obtained extracts were collected, loaded onto 500 mg C(18) cartridges, and analytes were eluted with 3 x 1 ml of methanol and 1 ml of acetonitrile. Finally, sample extracts were evaporated under a nitrogen stream, redissolved in 500 microl H(2)O/AcN (50/50), and passed though a 0.45 microm nylon filter before final determination by HPLC-FL. The developed procedure allowed to achieve quantitative recoveries for NP and NPEOx, and was properly validated. Finally, the method was applied to the determination of these compounds in soils and other environmental solid samples such as sediments, compost and sludge.

Anaerobic co-metabolic oxidation of 4-alkylphenols with medium-length or long alkyl chains by Thauera sp., strain R5

A 4-alkylphenol-degrading facultative anaerobic bacterium, strain R5, was isolated from paddy soil after enrichment with 4-n-propylphenol, 4-n-butylphenol and 4-hydroxybenzoate (4-HBA) under nitrate-reducing conditions. Strain R5 is a Gram-negative rod bacillus grown on phenolic compounds with short alkyl chains (<or=C2), organic acids and ethanol. The sequence of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed that the strain is affiliated with Thauera sp. In the presence of 4-HBA as a carbon source, the strain transformed 4-n-alkylphenols with a medium or long-length alkyl chain (C3-C8) to the corresponding oxidised products as follows: 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-alkenes, -(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-alkanones and/or 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-alcohols. The strain also transformed 4-i-propylphenol and 4-sec-butylphenol to (4-hydroxyphenyl)-i-propene and (4-hydroxyphenyl)-sec-butene but not 4-alkylphenols with tertiary alkyl chains (4-t-butylphenol or 4-t-octylphenol). The biotransformation did not proceed without another carbon source and was coupled with nitrate reduction. Biotransformation activity was high in the presence of p-cresol, 4-ethylphenol, 4'-hydroxyacetophenone and 4-HBA as carbon sources and low in the presence of organic acids and ethanol. We suggest that strain R5 co-metabolically transforms alkylphenols to the corresponding metabolites with oxidised alpha carbon in the alkyl chain during coupling with nitrate reduction.

Biodegradation of chlordane and hexachlorobenzenes in river sediment

Contamination of river sediments by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a worldwide concern, and microbial degradation is regarded as an important process for removal of POPs from river sediments. To date, there is still a lack of systematic study on chlordane biodegradation in river sediments, and the information on hexachlorobenzene (HCB) biodegradation in river sediments is very limited in Japan. We investigated the anaerobic biodegradation potential of trans-chlordane (TC), cis-chlordane (CC), and HCB in sediment samples collected at three sites along the Kamogawa River in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Lag period and biodegradation rates of TC and CC in the three sediments varied greatly with their properties and contamination by TC and CC. In contrast, biodegradation of HCB in all three sediments started immediately with the start of the experiment without lag period, and major differences in biodegradation rates among the sediments were not observed. At the end of 20-week anaerobic incubation in the dark at 30 degrees C temperature, degradation rates ranged from 0.0% to 33.0% for TC, 0.0% to 12.0% for CC, and 47.6% to 59.4% for HCB. Results showed that the high-to-low order of biodegradation in the river sediments was HCB>TC>CC. Although the sediments were collected in the same river, their biodegradation potential varied with properties. Sediment with rich organic content and contamination by TC and CC or HCB was observed to have high biodegradation rates for these pollutants. In addition, biodegradation of TC, CC and HCB was companied by obvious methane generation and drop of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).

Biodegradation of nonylphenol in soil

We investigated the effects of various factors (brij 30, brij 35, yeast extract, hydrogen peroxide and compost) on the aerobic degradation of nonylphenol (NP) in soil and characterized the structure of the microbial community in that soil. Residues of NP were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a change of microbial communities was demonstrated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The results showed that Taichung sandy clay loam had higher NP degradation rate than Kaoshiung silty clay. The addition of compost, yeast extract (0.5 mg/l), brij 30 (55 microM), or brij 35 (91 microM) enhanced NP degradation, while the addition of hydrogen peroxide (1.0 mg/l) inhibited its degradation. We also found that the addition of various substrates changed the microbial community in the soils. Cytophaga sp. and Ochrobactrum sp. were constantly dominant bacteria under various conditions in the soil.

Determination and distribution characteristics of degradation products of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in the rivers of Taiwan

Concentrations of degradation products of nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) were analyzed in river water samples in order to determine the distribution characteristic of these alkylphenolic compounds in 18 major rivers of Taiwan. The degradation products of NPEOs were detected in all river samples, with the dicarboxylates alkylphenolic degradation products (CAPEC) being detected most frequently and at the highest concentrations. Concentrations of NP and NP1EO in rivers ranged from n.d. to 5.1 microg l(-1) and n.d. to 0.5 microg l(-1), respectively. The total concentrations of shortened carboxylates (i.e., NP1EC+NP2EC+NP3EC) and dicarboxylates alkylphenolic degradation products (CAP1EC+CAP2EC) ranged from n.d. to 63.6 microg l(-1) and n.d. to 94.6 microg l(-1), respectively. Concentrations of NP2EC, NP3EC and all CAPEC residues were determined semi-quantitatively by comparing with the internal standard. Significantly higher concentrations of CAPEC residues were detected in the river waters as compared to those of NP, NP1EO and NPEC degradation products and the average proportions of these compounds in the samples of the rivers were as follows: NP+NP1EO was 5+/-2.5%, total NPEC was 25+/-12%, and total CAPEC was 70+/-12%. The high concentration ratios of CAPEC/NPEC illustrate that aerobic biodegradation plays a main route in the fate of NPEO in the rivers of Taiwan.

Biologically directed environmental monitoring, fate, and transport of estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds in water: A review

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are contaminants that may be hormonally active at low concentrations and are emerging as a major concern for water quality. Estrogenic EDCs (e-EDCs) are a subclass of EDCs that, when organisms are exposed to them, function as estrogens. Given that there are numerous e-EDCs that can negatively affect humans and wildlife, general screening techniques like biologically based assays (BBAs) may provide major advantages by estimating the total estrogenic effects of many e-EDCs in the environment. These techniques may potentially be adapted for field portable biologically directed sampling and analyses. This article summarizes available BBAs used to measure estrogenic e-EDCs in the environmental samples and also presents results relating to fate and transport of e-EDCs. Estrogenic EDCs appear to be almost ubiquitous in the environment, despite low solubility and high affinity of organic matter. Potential transport mechanisms may include: (1) transport of more soluble precursors, (2) colloid facilitated transport, (3) enhanced solubility through elevated pH, and (4) the formation of micelles by longer-chain ethoxylates. Due to their persistent and ubiquitous nature, source control strategies for e-EDCs may reduce influent concentration to wastewater treatment plants so that the post treatment effluent will decrease concentrations to estrogenically inactive levels. Alternatively if source reduction is not possible, then more testing is needed on tertiary treatment technologies and treatment efficiencies for e-EDCs. There is still a need for research on remediation and restoration approaches for habitats disturbed by elevated e-EDC concentrations.

Response of microbial activities in two contrasting soils to 4-nonylphenol treated with biosolids

In the application of biosolids on agricultural lands, 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in soils is an important environmental concern because of its associated estrogenic risk to animals and human beings. Incubation experiments that involved the mixing of two contrasting soils (A: calcareous sandy soil; B: acidic clayey soil) and biosolids in 4-NP were performed to examine the effect of 4-NP on the rate of production of CO2, the mineralization of N and the microbial biomass, by considering the biodegradation of 4-NP for the evaluation of soil health. The experimental results indicated that the half-life (t1/2) of 4-NP increased with the supplementary concentration of 4-NP (80, 160 and 240 mg kg(-1)) in the two soils, and the t1/2 values in the soil A are always lower than that in soil B. The 4-NP supplement in the biosolids reverses C mineralization in soil B more than it does in soil A, but it reverses N mineralization in soil A more than in soil B. The aeration status and microbial population of the biosolids treated soils are key factors in determining the time course of 4-NP degradation associated with the microbial activities. The 4-NP was biodegraded mainly by bacteria, and the effect on C and N mineralization of 4-NP input is determined by a balance of the reductions in microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN). After destruction in microbial cell membrane and protein structures by the 4-NP, C and N mineralization, MBC and MBN were subsequently followed by a final decline phase for the later period of incubation.

Microbial degradation of nonylphenol and other alkylphenols—our evolving view

Because the endocrine disrupting effects of nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol became evident, the degradation of long-chain alkylphenols (AP) by microorganisms was intensively studied. Most NP-degrading bacteria belong to the sphingomonads and closely related genera, while NP metabolism is not restricted to defined fungal taxa. Growth on NP and its mineralization was demonstrated for bacterial isolates, whereas ultimate degradation by fungi still remains unclear. While both bacterial and fungal degradation of short-chain AP, such as cresols, and the bacterial degradation of long-chain branched AP involves aromatic ring hydroxylation, alkyl chain oxidation and the formation of phenolic polymers seem to be preferential elimination pathways of long-chain branched AP in fungi, whereby both intracellular and extracellular oxidative enzymes may be involved. The degradation of NP by sphingomonads does not proceed via the common degradation mechanisms reported for short-chain AP, rather, via an unusual ipso-substitution mechanism. This fact underlies the peculiarity of long-chain AP such as NP isomers, which possess highly branched alkyl groups mostly containing a quaternary alpha-carbon. In addition to physicochemical parameters influencing degradation rates, this structural characteristic confers to branched isomers of NP a biodegradability different to that of the widely used linear isomer of NP. Potential biotechnological applications for the removal of AP from contaminated media and the difficulties of analysis and application inherent to the hydrophobic NP, in particular, are also discussed. The combination of bacteria and fungi, attacking NP at both the phenolic and alkylic moiety, represents a promising perspective.