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Mantovani M, Rossi S, Ficara E, Collina E, Marazzi F, Lasagni M, Mezzanotte V. Removal of pharmaceutical compounds from the liquid phase of anaerobic sludge in a pilot-scale high-rate algae-bacteria pond. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:167881. [PMID: 37865249 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a pilot-scale high-rate algae-bacteria pond (HRAP) to remove pharmaceutical compounds (PhACs) from municipal centrate. The studied PhACs belonged to different classes of synthetic active compounds: antihypertensives, antiepileptics, antidepressants, neuroprotectors, and anti-inflammatory drugs. The HRAP, growing a mixed microalgal consortium made of Chlorella spp. and Scenedesmus spp., was operated in continuous mode (6 days hydraulic retention time) from May to November 2021. Removal efficiencies were high (>85 %) for Sulfamethoxazole and Lamotrigine, promising (65-70 %) for Metoprolol, Fluoxetine, and Diclofenac but low (30-40 %) for Amisulpride, Ofloxacin, Carbamazepine, and Clarithromycin. Propyphenazone and Irbesartan were not removed, and their concentrations increased after the treatment. The combination of abiotic and biotic drivers (mostly global radiation and the synergy between microalgae and bacteria metabolisms) fostered photo and biodegradation processes. Overall, results suggest that microalgae-based systems can be a valuable solution to remove PhACs from wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mantovani
- Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Simone Rossi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Ficara
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA), P.zza L. da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Collina
- Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Marazzi
- Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Marina Lasagni
- Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Mezzanotte
- Università degli Studi di Milano - Bicocca, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), P.zza della Scienza 1, 20126 Milano, Italy.
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2
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Chae SH, Lim SJ, Seid MG, Ejerssa WW, Son A, Son H, Choi S, Lee W, Lee Y, Hong SW. Predicting micropollutant fate during wastewater treatment using refined classical kinetic model based on quantitative monitoring in multi-metropolitan regions of South Korea. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 245:120627. [PMID: 37717334 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to implement an extensive prediction model for the fate of micropollutants (MPs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Five WWTPs equipped with seven different biological treatment processes were monitored from 2020 to 2022 with three to four sampling events in each year, and 27 datasets for 20 MPs were collected. Among these datasets, 12 were used to investigate the behavior and fate of MPs in WWTPs in South Korea. Metformin, acetaminophen, caffeine, naproxen, and ibuprofen were the MPs with the highest influent concentrations (ranging from 3,933.3-187,637.0 ng L-1) at all WWTPs. More than 90% of MPs were removed by biological treatment processes in all WWTPs. The Kruskal-Wallis test verified that their efficacy did not differ statistically (p-value > 0.05). Meanwhile, to refine the performance of the prediction model, this study optimized the biodegradation rate constants (kbio) of each MP according to the variation of seasonal water temperature. As a result, compared to the original prediction model, the mean difference between the actual data and predicted results (MEAN) decreased by 6.77%, while the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) increased by 0.226. The final MEAN and NSE for the refined prediction model were calculated to be 5.09% and 0.964, respectively. The prediction model made accurate predictions, even for MPs exhibiting behaviors different from other cases, such as estriol and atrazine. Consequently, the optimization strategy proposed in this study was determined to be effective because the overall removal efficiencies of MPs were successfully predicted even with limited reference datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ho Chae
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ji Lim
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Mingizem Gashaw Seid
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Wondesen Workneh Ejerssa
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Aseom Son
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejong Son
- Water Quality Institute, Busan Water Authority, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50804, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangki Choi
- Water Quality Institute, Busan Water Authority, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50804, Republic of Korea; School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Woongbae Lee
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunho Lee
- School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Won Hong
- Center for Water Cycle Research, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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Mortensen AT, Goonesekera EM, Dechesne A, Elad T, Tang K, Andersen HR, Smets BF, Valverde-Pérez B. Methanotrophic oxidation of organic micropollutants and nitrogen upcycling in a hybrid membrane biofilm reactor (hMBfR) for simultaneous O 2 and CH 4 supply. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 242:120104. [PMID: 37348423 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and other organic micropollutants (OMPs) present in wastewater effluents are of growing concern, as they threaten environmental and human health. Conventional biological treatments lead to limited removal of OMPs. Methanotrophic bacteria can degrade a variety of OMPs. By employing a novel bubble-free hybrid membrane biofilm bioreactor (hMBfR), we grew methanotrophic bacteria at three CH4 loading rates. Biomass productivity and CH4 loading showed a linear correlation, with a maximum productivity of 372 mg-VSS·L-1·d-1, with corresponding biomass concentration of 1117.6 ± 56.4 mg-VSS·L-1. Furthermore, the biodegradation of sulfamethoxazole and 1H-benzotriazole positively correlated with CH4 oxidation rates, with highest biodegradation kinetic constants of 3.58 L·g-1·d-1 and 5.42 L·g-1·d-1, respectively. Additionally, the hMBfR recovered nutrients as microbial proteins, with an average content 39% DW. The biofilm community was dominated by Methylomonas, while the bulk was dominated by aerobic heterotrophic bacteria. The hMBfR removed OMPs, allowing for safer water reuse while valorising CH4 and nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders T Mortensen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Estelle M Goonesekera
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Arnaud Dechesne
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Tal Elad
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Kai Tang
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Henrik R Andersen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Borja Valverde-Pérez
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DTU, Building 115, Bygningstorvet, Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
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Li X, Lei S, Wu G, Yu Q, Xu K, Ren H, Wang Y, Geng J. Prediction of pharmaceuticals removal in activated sludge system under different operational parameters using an extended ASM-PhACs model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:162065. [PMID: 36754326 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Removal of pharmaceuticals is essential in wastewater treatment systems due to their release and accumulation in the environment, which are raising issues for the environment and human health. A mathematical model could be used to predict pharmaceuticals removal under various operational parameters and assess the contributions of different removal pathways to pharmaceuticals removal. Here an ASM-PhACs model was established to describe pharmaceuticals removal including diclofenac (DCF), erythromycin (ERY), gemfibrozil (GEM) and carbamazepine (CBZ) removal in activated sludge system. The pharmaceuticals removal processes linked to co-metabolic biodegradation through the growth of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), metabolic biodegradation through AOB, metabolic biodegradation through heterotrophic bacteria (HB) and sludge adsorption were incorporated into activated sludge model (ASM1) framework. The kinetic equations were established for each pharmaceuticals removal process. To provide the experimental data for model calibration and validation, two sets of batch tests were designed and conducted in the laboratory scale using SBR technology. According to the batch test data and results of sensitivity analysis, the newly added parameters and some original default parameters affecting pharmaceuticals removal processes were screened and calibrated. The model could accurately simulate all the dynamics of chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and pharmaceuticals under various conditions. To explore the effect of operational parameters on pharmaceuticals removal efficiency, the wide range of operational parameters was analyzed during model simulation. According to the simulation results, both influent NH4+-N concentration and DO were found to be the significant parameters that impact the removal of DCF, ERY and GEM. AOB biodegradation played an important role in DCF, ERY and GEM removal. The developed model framework helps to investigate the removal mechanisms and key influencing factors of pharmaceuticals removal, thus providing guidelines for reactor design, operation and optimization aiming at pharmaceuticals removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shaoting Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Gang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qingmiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region(')s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China
| | - Ke Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yanru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jinju Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region(')s Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China.
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5
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Cheng Z, Ren D, Yang S, Qiao L, Liu Y, Huang X. Simultaneous elimination of antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes in nitritation of source-separated urine. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129369. [PMID: 35897182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics in human urine could accelerate dissemination of antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs), posing potential threat to sewage. The nitritation of source-separated urine was a critical step to realize the urine resourcelization and nitrogen stabilization. However, the synergic control on antibiotics and ARGs during urine nitritation was unrevealed. This study investigated the removal profiles of five typical antibiotics and the shifts of microbial community and ARGs during stable nitritation. The result showed that sulfamethoxazole and roxithromycin were effectively eliminated with high removal efficiency of (95 ± 5) % and (90 ± 10) %, followed by enrofloxacin with removal efficiency of (60 ± 5) %, whereas trimethoprim and chloramphenicol showed low removal efficiency of less than 40 %. Ammonia oxidation bacteria and heterotrophic bacteria equally contributed to elimination of sulfamethoxazole with a high biodegradation rate of 0.1534 L/gVSS·h, while sorption and biodegradation jointly promoted other antibiotics removal. The total relative abundance of top 25 bacteria genera was decreased by 10 %. The total relative abundance of top 30 ARGs was decreased by more than 20 %, which was corresponding to the variation of bacterial community. The findings in this research would get a deeper insight into the eliminating antibiotics and controlling ARGs dissemination during nitritation of source-separated urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Cheng
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Daheng Ren
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Shaolin Yang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Longkai Qiao
- Institute of Global Environmental Change, School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yanchen Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
| | - Xia Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
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6
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Li S, Peng L, Yang C, Song S, Xu Y. Cometabolic biodegradation of antibiotics by ammonia oxidizing microorganisms during wastewater treatment processes. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 305:114336. [PMID: 34953231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies on antibiotic removal during wastewater treatment processes are crucial since their release into the environment could bring potential threats to human health and ecosystem. Cometabolic biodegradation of antibiotics by ammonia oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) has received special attentions due to the enhanced removal of antibiotics during nitrification processes. However, the interactions between antibiotics and AOMs are less well-elucidated. In this review, the recent research proceedings on cometabolic biodegradation of antibiotics by AOMs were summarized. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) and complete ammonia oxidizers (comammox) played significant roles in both nitrification and cometabolic biodegradation of antibiotics. Antibiotics at varying concentrations might pose inhibiting or stimulating effect on AOMs, influencing the microbial activity, community abundance and ammonia monooxygenase subunit A gene expression level. AOMs-induced cometabolic biodegradation products were analyzed as well as the corresponding pathways for each type of antibiotics. The effects of ammonium availability, initial antibiotic concentration, sludge retention time and temperature were assessed on the cometabolic biodegradation efficiencies of antibiotics. This work might provide further insights into the fate and removal of antibiotics during nitrification processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Lai Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Chenguang Yang
- Institute of Deep Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya Hainan, 572000, China
| | - Shaoxian Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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7
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Li S, Xu Y, Liang C, Wang N, Song S, Peng L. Enhanced biodegradation of ciprofloxacin by enriched nitrifying sludge: assessment of removal pathways and microbial responses. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2022; 85:409-419. [PMID: 35050892 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2021.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics are mostly collected by sewage systems, but not completely removed within wastewater treatment plants. Their release to aquatic environment poses a great threat to public health. This study evaluated the removal of a widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, in enriched nitrifying culture through a series of experiments by controlling ammonium concentrations and inhibiting functional microorganisms. The removal efficiency of ciprofloxacin at an initial concentration of 50 μg L-1 reached 81.86 ± 3.21% in the presence of ammonium, while only 22.83 ± 8.22% of ciprofloxacin was removed in its absence. A positive linear correlation was found between the ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) and ciprofloxacin biodegradation rate. These jointly confirmed the importance of the AOB-induced cometabolism in ciprofloxacin biodegradation, with adsorption and metabolic degradation pathways playing minor roles. The continuous exposure of AOB to ciprofloxacin led to decreases of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) activities and AOR. The antibacterial effects of ciprofloxacin and its biodegradation products were further evaluated and the results revealed that biodegradation products of ciprofloxacin exhibited less toxicity compared to the parent compound, implying the potential application of cometabolism in alleviation of antimicrobial activity. The findings provided new insights into the AOB-induced cometabolic biodegradation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China E-mail: ; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yifeng Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China E-mail: ; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chuanzhou Liang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China E-mail: ; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Shaoxian Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China E-mail: ; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lai Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources Processing and Environment, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China E-mail: ; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan 430070, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University of Technology, Gaoxin South Fourth Road 19, Yuehai Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518063, China
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8
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Kennes-Veiga DM, Gónzalez-Gil L, Carballa M, Lema JM. Enzymatic cometabolic biotransformation of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants: A review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 344:126291. [PMID: 34752884 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of trace-level organic micropollutants (OMPs) by complex microbial communities in wastewater treatment facilities is a key process for their detoxification and environmental impact reduction. Therefore, understanding the metabolic activities and mechanisms that contribute to their biotransformation is essential when developing approaches aiming to minimize their discharge. This review addresses the relevance of cometabolic processes and discusses the main enzymatic activities currently known to take part in OMPs removal under different redox environments in the compartments of wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, the most common methodologies to decipher such enzymes are discussed, including the use of in vitro enzyme assays, enzymatic inhibitors, the analysis of transformation products and the application of several -omic techniques. Finally, perspectives on major challenges and future research requirements to improve OMPs biotransformation are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Kennes-Veiga
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Lorena Gónzalez-Gil
- Defence University Centre, Spanish Naval Academy, Plaza de España, 36920 Marín, Spain
| | - Marta Carballa
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan M Lema
- CRETUS, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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9
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Sheng Q, Yi M, Men Y, Lu H. Cometabolism of 17α-ethynylestradiol by nitrifying bacteria depends on reducing power availability and leads to elevated nitric oxide formation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 153:106528. [PMID: 33774495 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is a priority emerging contaminant (EC) in diverse environments that can be cometabolized by ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB). However, its transformation kinetics and the underlying molecular mechanism are unclear. In this study, kinetic parameters, including maximum specific EE2 transformation rate, EE2 half-saturation coefficient, and EE2transformation capacity of AOBwere obtained by using the model AOB strain, Nitrosomonas europaea 19718. The relationship between EE2 cometabolism and ammonia oxidation was divided into three phases according to reducing power availability, namely "activation", "coupling", and "saturation". Specifically, there was a universal lag of EE2 transformation after ammonia oxidation was initiated, suggesting that sufficient reducing power (approximately 0.95 ± 0.06 mol NADH/L) was required to activate EE2 cometabolism. Interestingly, nitric oxide emission increased by 12 ± 2% during EE2 cometabolism, along with significantly upregulated nirK cluster genes. The findings are of importance to understanding the cometabolic behavior and mechanism of EE2 in natural and engineered environments. Maintaining relatively high and stable reducing power supply from ammonia oxidation can potentially improve the cometabolic removal of EE2 and other ECs during wastewater nitrification processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yujie Men
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
| | - Huijie Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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10
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A Mechanistic Model to Assess the Fate of Naphthalene and Benzo(a)pyrene in a Chilean WWTP. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a family of organic compounds of widespread presence in the environment. They are recalcitrant, ubiquitous, prone to bioaccumulation, and potentially carcinogenic. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) constitutes a major source of PAHs into water bodies, and their presence should be closely monitored, especially considering the increasing applications of potable and non-potable reuse of treated wastewater worldwide. Modeling the fate and distribution of PAHs in WWTPs is a valuable tool to overcome the complexity and cost of monitoring and quantifying PAHs. A mechanistic model was built to evaluate the fate of PAHs in both water and sludge lines of a Chilean WWTP. Naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene were used as models of low-MW and high-MW PAHs. As there were no reported experimental data available for the case study, the influent load was determined through a statistical approach based on reported values worldwide. For both naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene, the predominant mechanism in the water line was sorption to sludge, while that in the sludge line was desorption. Compared to other studies in the literature, the model satisfactorily describes the mechanisms involved in the fate and distribution of PAHs in a conventional activated sludge WWTP. Even though there is evidence of the presence of PAHs in urban centers in Chile, local regulatory standards do not consider PAHs in the disposal of WWTP effluents. Monitoring of PAHs in both treated effluents and biosolids is imperative, especially when considering de facto reuse and soil amendment in agricultural activities are currently practiced downstream of the studied WWTP.
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Aldeguer Esquerdo A, Varo Galvañ PJ, Sentana Gadea I, Prats Rico D. Carbamazepine and Diclofenac Removal Double Treatment: Oxidation and Adsorption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18137163. [PMID: 34281100 PMCID: PMC8296929 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present research, the effect of two hybrid treatments, ozone followed by powdered activated carbon (PAC) or PAC followed by ozone (O3), was studied for the removal of two drugs present in water: diclofenac and carbamazepine. In the study, two initial concentrations of each of the contaminants, 0.7 mg L-1 and 1.8 mg L-1, were used. Different doses of PAC between 4-20 mg L-1 were studied as variables, as well as different doses of O3 between 0.056-0.280 mg L-1. The evolution of the concentration of each contaminant over time was evaluated. From the results obtained, it was concluded that the combined treatment with ozone followed by PAC reduces between 50% and 75% the time required to achieve 90% removal of diclofenac when compared with the time required when only activated carbon was used. In the case of carbamazepine, the time required was 97% less. For carbamazepine, to achieve reduction percentages of up to 90%, O3 treatment followed by PAC acted faster than PAC followed by O3. In the case of diclofenac, PAC treatment followed by O3 was faster to reach concentrations of up to 90%. However, to reach yields below 80%, O3 treatment followed by PAC was more efficient.
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12
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Fate of Emerging Contaminants in High-Rate Activated Sludge Systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020400. [PMID: 33419173 PMCID: PMC7825564 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) systems are designed to shift the energy-intensive processes to energy-saving and sustainable technologies for wastewater treatment. The high food-to-microorganism (F/M) ratios and low solid retention times (SRTs) and hydraulic retention times (HRTs) applied in HRAS systems result in the maximization of organic matter diversion to the sludge which can produce large amounts of biogas during anaerobic digestion, thus moving toward energy-neutral (or positive) treatment processes. However, in addition to the energy optimization, the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) is the new challenge in wastewater treatment. In the context of this study, the removal efficiencies and the fates of selected ECs (three endocrine disruptors (endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs))—nonylphenol, bisphenol A and triclosan, and four pharmaceuticals (PhACs)—ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and ketoprofen) in HRAS systems have been studied. According to the results, EDCs occurred in raw wastewater and secondary sludge at higher concentrations compared to PhACs. In HRAS operating schemes, all compounds were poorly (<40%) to moderately (<60%) removed. Regarding removal mechanisms, biotransformation was found to be the dominant process for PhACs, while for EDCs sorption onto sludge is the most significant removal mechanism affecting their fates and their presence in excess sludge.
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13
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Fonseca RF, de Oliveira GHD, Zaiat M. Modeling anaerobic digestion metabolic pathways for antibiotic-contaminated wastewater treatment. Biodegradation 2020; 31:341-368. [PMID: 33040265 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-020-09914-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion has been used to treat antibiotic-contaminated wastewaters. However, it is not always effective, since biodegradation is the main removal mechanism and depends on the compound chemical characteristics and on how microbial metabolic pathways are affected by the reactor operational conditions and hydrodynamic characteristics. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model to describe 16 metabolic pathways of an anaerobic process treating sulfamethazine-contaminated wastewater. Contois kinetics and a useful reaction volume term were used to represent the biomass concentration impact on bed porosity in a N continuously stirred tank modeling approach. Two sulfamethazine removal hypotheses were evaluated: an apparent enzymatic reaction and a cometabolic degradation. Additionally, long-term modeling was developed to describe how the operational conditions affected the performance of the process. The best degradation correlations were associated with the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and it was inversely related to acetic acid production during acidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Frederico Fonseca
- Biological Processes Laboratory, Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Environmental Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), University of São Paulo (USP), Engenharia Ambiental - Bloco 4-F, Av. João Dagnone, 1100 - Santa Angelina, São Carlos, SP, 13.563-120, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Henrique Duarte de Oliveira
- Biological Processes Laboratory, Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Environmental Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), University of São Paulo (USP), Engenharia Ambiental - Bloco 4-F, Av. João Dagnone, 1100 - Santa Angelina, São Carlos, SP, 13.563-120, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Zaiat
- Biological Processes Laboratory, Center for Research, Development and Innovation in Environmental Engineering, São Carlos School of Engineering (EESC), University of São Paulo (USP), Engenharia Ambiental - Bloco 4-F, Av. João Dagnone, 1100 - Santa Angelina, São Carlos, SP, 13.563-120, Brazil
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14
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Delli Compagni R, Polesel F, von Borries KJF, Zhang Z, Turolla A, Antonelli M, Vezzaro L. Modelling the fate of micropollutants in integrated urban wastewater systems: Extending the applicability to pharmaceuticals. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116097. [PMID: 32911442 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs) are a category of micropollutants frequently detected across integrated urban wastewater systems. Existing modelling tools supporting the evaluation of micropollutant fate in such complex systems, such as the IUWS_MP model library (which acronym IUWS stands for Integrated Urban Wastewater System), do not consider fate processes and fractions that are typical for PhACs. This limitation was overcome by extending the existing IUWS_MP model library with new fractions (conjugated metabolites, sequestrated fraction) and processes (consumption-excretion, deconjugation). The performance of the extended library was evaluated for five PhACs (carbamazepine, ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol, furosemide) in two different integrated urban wastewater systems where measurements were available. Despite data uncertainty and the simplicity of the modelling approach, chosen to minimize data requirements, model prediction uncertainty overlapped with the measurements ranges across both systems, stressing the robustness of the proposed modelling approach. Possible applications of the extended IUWS_MP model library are presented, illustrating how this tool can support urban water managers in reducing environmental impacts from PhACs discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Delli Compagni
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy.
| | - Fabio Polesel
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; DHI A/S, Agern Allé 5, 2970, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Kerstin J F von Borries
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zhen Zhang
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Antonelli
- Department of Civil and Environment Engineering (DICA), Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20129, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Vezzaro
- DTU Environment, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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15
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Taboada-Santos A, Behera CR, Sin G, Gernaey KV, Mauricio-Iglesias M, Carballa M, Lema JM. Assessment of the fate of organic micropollutants in novel wastewater treatment plant configurations through an empirical mechanistic model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 716:137079. [PMID: 32044492 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Novel wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are expected to be less energetically demanding than conventional ones. However, scarce information is available about the fate of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in these novel configurations. Therefore, the objective of this work is to assess the fate of OMPs in three novel WWTP configurations by using a plant-wide simulation that integrates multiple units. The difference among the three configurations is the organic carbon preconcentration technology: chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT), high-rate activated sludge (HRAS) combined or not with a rotating belt filter (RBF); followed by a partial-nitritation (PN-AMX) unit. The simulation results show that the three selected novel configurations lead mainly to comparable OMPs removal efficiencies from wastewater, which were similar or lower, depending on the OMP, than those obtained in conventional WWTPs. However, the presence of hydrophobic OMPs in the digested sludge noticeably differs among the three configurations. Whereas the configuration based on sole HRAS to recover organic carbon leads to a lower presence of OMPs in digested sludge than the conventional WWTP, in the other two novel configurations this presence is noticeable higher. In conclusion, novel WWTP configurations do not improve the OMPs elimination from wastewater achieved in conventional ones, but the HRAS-based WWTP configuration leads to the lowest presence in digested sludge so it becomes the most efficient alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Taboada-Santos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Chitta Ranjan Behera
- Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 229, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Gürkan Sin
- Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 229, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Krist V Gernaey
- Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Building 229, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Miguel Mauricio-Iglesias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Carballa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Juan M Lema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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16
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Thiebault T. Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim ratio as a new marker in raw wastewaters: A critical review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:136916. [PMID: 32041046 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Global Trimethoprim (TMP) and Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) occurrences in raw wastewaters were systematically collected from the literature (n = 140 articles) in order to assess the relevance of using the SMX/TMP ratio as a marker of the main origin of wastewaters. These two antibiotics were selected due to their frequent use in association (i.e. co-trimoxazole) in a 5:1 ratio (SMX:TMP) for medication purposes, generating a unique opportunity to globally evaluate the validity of this ratio based on concentration values. Several parameters (e.g. sorption, biodegradation) may affect the theoretical SMX/TMP ratio. However, the collected data highlighted the good agreement between the theoretical ratio and the experimental one, especially in wastewater treatment plant influents and hospital effluents. Only livestock effluents displayed a very high SMX/TMP ratio, indicative of the very significant use of sulfonamide alone in this industry. Conversely, several countries displayed low SMX/TMP ratio values, highlighting local features in the human pharmacopoeia. This review provides new insights in order to develop an easy to handle and sound marker of wastewater origins (i.e. human/livestock), beyond atypical local customs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thiebault
- EPHE, PSL University, UMR 7619 METIS, Sorbonne University, CNRS, F-75005, Paris, France.
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17
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Lee C, Jeong S, Ju M, Kim JY. Fate of chlortetracycline antibiotics during anaerobic degradation of cattle manure. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 386:121894. [PMID: 31896000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
As veterinary antibiotics (VAs) cause adverse effects on nature, anaerobic digestion (AD) of livestock manure has been receiving attention as an exposure route of VAs. This research evaluated the anaerobic degradation and phase distribution of chlortetracycline (CTC) with its epimer (4-epi-CTC, ECTC) and isomer (Iso-CTC, ICTC). In addition, whether CTC can inhibit not only AD of a substrate but also the degradation of CTC was assessed. Anaerobic batch assays were performed with cattle manure for 30 days by varying the initial concentration of CTC; 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L. Approximately 25-43 % (w/w) of CTC was primarily degraded while 18-25 % and 20-26 % of CTC was transformed into ECTC and ICTC, respectively. Up to 88 % (w/w) of the remaining CTC, ECTC, and ICTC was present in the solid phase. In addition, CTC inhibited not only the mineralization of the cattle manure but also the degradation of CTC due to co-metabolism. In conclusion, significant quantities of CTC, ECTC, and ICTC can be exposed to nature by solid phase of anaerobic digestate. The inhibition on AD can reduce the degradation of CTC, ECTC, and ICTC during the AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changmin Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangjae Jeong
- Research Center for Climate Change and Energy, Hallym University, 1, Hallimdaehak-gil, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Munsol Ju
- Department of Living Environment Research, Korea Environment Institute, 370, Sicheong-daero, Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Pratush A, Ye X, Yang Q, Kan J, Peng T, Wang H, Huang T, Xiong G, Hu Z. Biotransformation strategies for steroid estrogen and androgen pollution. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:2385-2409. [PMID: 31993703 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10374-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The common steroid hormones are estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), and testosterone (T). These steroids are reported to contaminate the environment through wastewater treatment plants. Steroid estrogens are widespread in the aquatic environment and therefore pose a potential risk, as exposure to these compounds has adverse impacts on vertebrates. Excessive exposure to steroid estrogens causes endocrine disruption in aquatic vertebrates, which affects the normal sexual life of these animals. Steroid pollutants also cause several health problems in humans and other animals. Microbial degradation is an efficient method for removing hormone pollutants from the environment by remediation. Over the last two decades, microbial metabolism of steroids has gained considerable attention due to its higher efficiency to reduce pollutants from the environment. The present review is focused on the major causes of steroid pollution, concentrations of these pollutants in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater, their effect on humans and aquatic animals, as well as recent efforts by various research groups that seek better ways to degrade steroids by aerobic and anaerobic microbial systems. Detailed overview of aerobic and anaerobic microbial biotransformation of steroid estrogens and testosterone present in the environment along with the active enzyme systems involved in these biotransformation reactions is described in the review article, which helps readers to understand the biotransformation mechanism of steroids in depth. Other measures such as co-metabolic degradation, consortia degradation, algal, and fungal steroid biotransformation are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Pratush
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Xueying Ye
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Jie Kan
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Tongwang Huang
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Guangming Xiong
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School, Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Brunswiker Str. 10, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Zhong Hu
- Biology Department, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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19
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Wang Y, Fan L, Khan SJ, Roddick FA. Fugacity modelling of the fate of micropollutants in aqueous systems - Uncertainty and sensitivity issues. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 699:134249. [PMID: 31522051 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The application of multimedia fugacity models is useful to facilitate understanding of the behaviour of emerging contaminants during wastewater treatment, as well as after their release to the environment. In this paper, twenty-two fugacity modelling applications (reported over 1995-2019) describing the distribution of organic micropollutants in wastewater treatment plants and surface water bodies were analysed in terms of model application and modelling strategy. Disparities and similarities in strategies including selection of micropollutants, data sources for internal and external model inputs, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, as well as model validation were discussed. This review confirmed that fugacity modelling is very applicable for providing qualitative predictions of the fate and removal of organic micropollutants in the various aqueous systems. However, it was also noted that there are issues related to the uncertainties and sensitivities of fugacity models such as the sources of model inputs and selection of default settings. The issues associated with the uncertainties in the investigated fugacity models are pointed out. Recommendations are given regarding the selection of the sources of model inputs, sensitivity analysis strategies and model validation methods. This review presents the challenges and opportunities for improving multimedia fugacity models, and so paves the way for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Linhua Fan
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
| | - Stuart J Khan
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Felicity A Roddick
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia.
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20
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Wang B, Ni BJ, Yuan Z, Guo J. Insight into the nitrification kinetics and microbial response of an enriched nitrifying sludge in the biodegradation of sulfadiazine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113160. [PMID: 31521996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The intensive use of antibiotics results in the continuous release of antibiotics into wastewater treatment systems, leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Nitrifying system is reported to be capable of degrading antibiotics, yet few studies have systematically investigated the inherent correlation among ammonium oxidation rate, antibiotic degradation and genetic expression of nitrifying bacteria along the process. This study selected a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, sulfadiazine (SDZ), to investigate its biodegradation potential by an enriched nitrifying culture and the response of nitrifying bacteria against antibiotic exposure. Our results demonstrated that SDZ degradation was mainly contributed by cometabolism of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), rather than biomass adsorption. The quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the expression level of amoA gene was down-regulated due to the SDZ exposure. In addition, the degradation products of SDZ did not exhibit inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli K12, indicating the biotoxicity of SDZ could be mitigated after biodegradation. The findings offer insights regarding the biodegradation process of sulfonamide antibiotics via cometabolism by AOB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzheng Wang
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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21
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Zhang L, Carvalho PN, Bollmann UE, Ei-Taliawy H, Brix H, Bester K. Enhanced removal of pharmaceuticals in a biofilter: Effects of manipulating co-degradation by carbon feeding. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 236:124303. [PMID: 31310978 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biofilm reactors are a promising biotechnology to eliminate pharmaceuticals from wastewater during tertiary treatment or in water works for drinking water production. This study aimed at investigating the effects of pulsed carbon feeding for promoting the co-degradation of indigenous pharmaceuticals from pre-treated wastewater in a fixed-bed porous biofilm reactor (slow sand filter). The addition of acetate (carbon source) resulted in three different enhancement/limitation effects, which were compound dependent: 1) atenolol and iohexol experienced enhanced co-degradation followed by constant (acetate independent) degradation; 2) metoprolol, iomeprol, diclofenac, propranolol and sulfamethizole co-degradation dependent on aerobic turnover, but inhibited at higher acetate concentrations (60-300 mg C/L); 3) sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim were removed independently of oxygen and acetate concentration. Carbamazepine, ditriazoic acid, iopromide; tramadol and venlavaxine were not removed at any acetate dosage. Biofilm reactors can be employed for polishing treated wastewater, and the addition of a primary carbon source can enhance the performance of the bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Pedro N Carvalho
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark; WATEC, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ulla Elisabeth Bollmann
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark; WATEC, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Haitham Ei-Taliawy
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hans Brix
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark; WATEC, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgsvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark; WATEC, Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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22
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Castrillon L, Londoño YA, Pino NJ, Peñuela GA. Comparison of microbial and physicochemical behavior of expanded granular sludge bed system during methylparaben and triclosan removal. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2019; 80:487-498. [PMID: 31596260 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2019.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Methylparaben and triclosan are antimicrobial agents widely used as preservatives in a variety of personal care and pharmaceutical products. Wastewater is considered the main source of these compounds in the environment. Expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors are a high rate technology for wastewater treatment based on biological processes and have been shown to be efficient in removing different types of compounds; however, little is known about the effect of contaminants such as methylparaben and triclosan on their behavior and effectiveness. In this study, we evaluate and compare the microbial and physicochemical behavior of EGSB systems during methylparaben and triclosan removal. The presence of different concentrations of pollutants had an influence on the cluster organization of microbial communities, especially bacteria. However, this did not affect the stability and performance of the EGSB systems. The banding patterns of the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of archaea demonstrated the constant presence and abundance of Methanosaeta concilii throughout all stages of operation, showing that this microorganism played a fundamental role in the stability of the reactors for the production of methane. The type of compound and its concentration influenced the expression of the mcrA and ACAs genes; however, these changes did not alter the stability and performance of the EGSB systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Castrillon
- GDCON Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Research Headquarters (SIU), University of Antioquia, Street 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Yudy Andrea Londoño
- Faculty of Engineering, Technological of Antioquia - University Institution, Street 78B # 72A-220, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Nancy J Pino
- School of Microbiology, University of Antioquia, Street 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia E-mail:
| | - Gustavo A Peñuela
- GDCON Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University Research Headquarters (SIU), University of Antioquia, Street 70 # 52-21, Medellín, Colombia
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23
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Gonzalez-Gil L, Carballa M, Corvini PFX, Lema JM. Reversibility of enzymatic reactions might limit biotransformation of organic micropollutants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 665:574-578. [PMID: 30776629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of many organic micropollutants (OMPs) in sewage treatment plants is incomplete leading to their release into the environment. Recent findings suggest that thermodynamic aspects of the reaction as chemical equilibrium limit biotransformation, while kinetic parameters have a lower influence. Reversibility of enzymatic reactions might result in a chemical equilibrium between the OMP and the transformation product, thus impeding a total removal of the compound. To the best of our knowledge, no study has focused on proving the reversible action of enzymes towards OMPs so far. Therefore, we aimed at demonstrating this hypothesis through in vitro assays with bisphenol A (BPA) in the presence of kinase enzymes, namely acetate kinase and hexokinase, which are key enzymes in anaerobic processes. Results suggest that BPA is phosphorylated by acetate kinase and hexokinase in the presence of ATP (adenosine 5-triphosphate), but when the concentration of this co-substrate decreases and the enzymes loss their activity, the backward reaction occurs, revealing a reversible biotransformation mechanism. This information is particularly relevant to address new removal strategies, which up to now were mainly focused on modifying the kinetic parameters of the reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez-Gil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Carballa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Philippe F-X Corvini
- Institute for Ecopreneurship, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland.
| | - Juan M Lema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Nsenga Kumwimba M, Meng F. Roles of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in improving metabolism and cometabolism of trace organic chemicals in biological wastewater treatment processes: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:419-441. [PMID: 31096373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
While there has been a significant recent improvement in the removal of pollutants in natural and engineered systems, trace organic chemicals (TrOCs) are posing a major threat to aquatic environments and human health. There is a critical need for developing potential strategies that aim at enhancing metabolism and/or cometabolism of these compounds. Recently, knowledge regarding biodegradation of TrOCs by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) has been widely developed. This review aims to delineate an up-to-date version of the ecophysiology of AOB and outline current knowledge related to biodegradation efficiencies of the frequently reported TrOCs by AOB. The paper also provides an insight into biodegradation pathways by AOB and transformation products of these compounds and makes recommendations for future research of AOB. In brief, nitrifying WWTFs (wastewater treatment facilities) were superior in degrading most TrOCs than non-nitrifying WWTFs due to cometabolic biodegradation by the AOB. To fully understand and/or enhance the cometabolic biodegradation of TrOCs by AOB, recent molecular research has focused on numerous crucial factors including availability of the compounds to AOB, presence of growth substrate (NH4-N), redox potentials, microorganism diversity (AOB and heterotrophs), physicochemical properties and operational parameters of the WWTFs, molecular structure of target TrOCs and membrane-based technologies, may all significantly impact the cometabolic biodegradation of TrOCs. Still, further exploration is required to elucidate the mechanisms involved in biodegradation of TrOCs by AOB and the toxicity levels of formed products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Nsenga Kumwimba
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China; Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Fangang Meng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China.
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25
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Zhang X, Jing R, Feng X, Dai Y, Tao R, Vymazal J, Cai N, Yang Y. Removal of acidic pharmaceuticals by small-scale constructed wetlands using different design configurations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 639:640-647. [PMID: 29803037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) to remove acidic pharmaceuticals (APs) in wastewaters in subtropical areas and to optimize CW design criteria, six small-scale CWs under different design configurations were operated. The factors (environmental parameters, water quality, and seasonality) influencing the APs removal were also analyzed to illustrate the removal mechanisms. The results indicated that the best performances of CWs were up to 80-90%. Subsurface flow (SSF) CWs showed high removal efficiency for ibuprofen, gemfibrozil and naproxen, but surface flow (SF) CWs performed better for ketoprofen and diclofenac. The positive relationship between the removal efficiencies of ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, and naproxen with dissolved oxygen and ammonia nitrogen reveals that SSF CWs under aerobic conditions benefit the biodegradation, while the favorable conditions created by SF CWs for receiving solar radiation promote the effective photolysis of ketoprofen and diclofenac. Planted SSF CWs had significantly higher removal efficiencies of ibuprofen and gemfibrozil than the unplanted controls had in all seasons. The removal of all APs was higher in summer and autumn than those in winter. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between removal efficiency and the distribution coefficient (logDow) was observed in SF CWs. Overall, CWs that provide aerobic degradation and photolysis would benefit APs removal in subtropical areas in the south of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiying Jing
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Feng
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyu Dai
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jan Vymazal
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Applied Ecology, Kamy'cka´ 129, 165 21 Praha, 6, Czech Republic
| | - Nan Cai
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Engineering Research Center of Tropical and Subtropical Aquatic Ecological Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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Gonzalez-Gil L, Mauricio-Iglesias M, Carballa M, Lema JM. Why are organic micropollutants not fully biotransformed? A mechanistic modelling approach to anaerobic systems. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 142:115-128. [PMID: 29864647 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of most organic micropollutants (OMPs) during wastewater treatment is not complete and an unexplained steady decrease of the biotransformation rate with time is reported for many OMPs in different biological processes. To minimize and accurately predict the emission of OMPs into the environment, the mechanisms and limitations behind their biotransformations should be clarified. Aiming to achieve this objective, the present study follows a mechanistic modelling approach, based on the formulation of four models according to different biotransformation hypotheses: Michaelis-Menten kinetics, chemical equilibrium between the parent compound and the transformation product (TP), enzymatic inhibition by the TP, and a limited compound bioavailability due to its sequestration in the solid phase. These models were calibrated and validated with kinetic experiments performed in two different anaerobic systems: continuous reactors enriched with methanogenic biomass and batch assays with anaerobic sludge. Model selection was conducted according to model suitability criteria (goodness of fitting the experimental data, confidence of the estimated parameters, and model parsimony) but also considering mechanistic evidences. The findings suggest that reversibility of the biological reactions and/or sequestration of compounds are likely the causes preventing the complete biotransformation of OMPs, and biotransformation is probably limited by thermodynamics rather than by kinetics. Taking into account its simplicity and broader applicability spectrum, the reversible biotransformation is the proposed model to explain the incomplete biotransformation of OMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez-Gil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Miguel Mauricio-Iglesias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Carballa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Juan M Lema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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Fonseca RF, Oliveira GHDD, Zaiat M. Development of a mathematical model for the anaerobic digestion of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater. Chem Eng Res Des 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Kassotaki E, Pijuan M, Joss A, Borrego CM, Rodriguez-Roda I, Buttiglieri G. Unraveling the potential of a combined nitritation-anammox biomass towards the biodegradation of pharmaceutically active compounds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:722-731. [PMID: 29272841 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the past few years, anaerobic ammonium oxidation-based processes have attracted a lot of attention for their implementation at the mainstream line of wastewater treatment plants, due to the possibility of leading to energy autarky if combined with anaerobic digestion. However, little is known about the potential degradation of micropollutants by the microbial groups responsible of these processes and the few results available are inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the degradation capability of biomass withdrawn from a combined nitritation/anaerobic ammonium oxidation (combined N/A) pilot plant towards five pharmaceutically active compounds (ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, metoprolol, venlafaxine and carbamazepine). Batch experiments were performed under different conditions by selectively activating or inhibiting different microbial groups: i) regular combined N/A operation, ii) aerobic (optimal for nitrifying bacteria), iii) aerobic with allylthiourea (an inhibitor of ammonia monooxygenase, enzyme of ammonia oxidizing bacteria), iv) anoxic (optimal for anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria), v) aerobic with acetate (optimal for heterotrophic bacteria) and vi) anoxic with acetate (optimal for heterotrophic denitrifying bacteria). Ibuprofen was the most biodegradable compound being significantly degraded (49-100%) under any condition except heterotrophic denitrification. Sulfamethoxazole, exhibited the highest removal (70%) under optimal conditions for nitrifying bacteria but in the rest of the experiments anoxic conditions were found to be slightly more favorable (up to 58%). For metoprolol the highest performance was obtained under anoxic conditions favoring anammox bacteria (62%). Finally, carbamazepine and venlafaxine were hardly removed (≤10% in the majority of cases). Taken together, these results suggest the specificity of different microbial groups that in combination with alternating operational parameters can lead to enhanced removal of some micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissavet Kassotaki
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Maite Pijuan
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Adriano Joss
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstr. 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Carles M Borrego
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain; Group of Molecular Microbial Ecology, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Ignasi Rodriguez-Roda
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain; LEQUiA, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071 Girona, Spain.
| | - Gianluigi Buttiglieri
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain.
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Yu X, Nishimura F, Hidaka T. Enhanced generation of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) from fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) via ammonia-oxidation process. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:311-319. [PMID: 29421745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
With the phase-out of persistent, bioaccumalative, and toxic perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), it is needed to explore the potential release of PFCAs from precursors being emitted into the environment. Biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) via biological processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) leads to discharge of PFCAs into receiving waters. However, the commonly existed microbial activity that can impact on FTOHs biodegradation in WWTPs remains unclear. The objective of present research was to explore the relationship between ammonia-oxidation process and the enhanced PFCAs generation from FTOHs biodegradation under aerobic activated sludge. The obtained results indicate that the cometabolism process performed by nitrifying microorganisms (NMs) was responsible for enhanced PFCAs generation. Among NMs, the ammonia-oxidation bacteria that can express non-specific enzyme of ammonia monooxygenases resulted in the enhanced PFCAs generation from FTOHs. Meanwhile, the different addition amount of ammonia contributed to different defluorination efficiency of FTOHs. The present study further correlated the enhanced PFCAs generation from FTOHs biodegradation with ammonia-oxidation process, which can provide practical information on effective management of PFCAs generation in WWTPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Yu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Fumitake Nishimura
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Taira Hidaka
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
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30
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Gonzalez-Gil L, Mauricio-Iglesias M, Serrano D, Lema JM, Carballa M. Role of methanogenesis on the biotransformation of organic micropollutants during anaerobic digestion. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:459-466. [PMID: 29220770 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Gonzalez-Gil
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Miguel Mauricio-Iglesias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Denisse Serrano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Water and Environmental Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 5 de febrero 818 sur, Colonia Centro, 85000 Ciudad Obregón, Mexico.
| | - Juan M Lema
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Marta Carballa
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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31
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Peng L, Dai X, Liu Y, Sun J, Song S, Ni BJ. Model-based assessment of estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 197:430-437. [PMID: 29360597 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Complete removal of estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and ethinylestradiol (EE2) in wastewater treatment is essential since their release and accumulation in natural water bodies are giving rise to environment and health issues. To improve our understanding towards the estrogen bioremediation process, a mathematical model was proposed for describing estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge. Four pathways were involved in the developed model: i) biosorption by activated sludge flocs; ii) cometabolic biodegradation linked to ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) growth; iii) non-growth biodegradation by AOB; and iv) biodegradation by heterotrophic bacteria (HB). The degradation kinetics was implemented into activated sludge model (ASM) framework with consideration of interactions between substrate update and microorganism growth as well as endogenous respiration. The model was calibrated and validated by fitting model predictions against two sets of batch experimental data under different conditions. The model could satisfactorily capture all the dynamics of nitrogen, organic matters (COD), and estrogens. Modeling results suggest that for E1, E2 and EE2, AOB-linked biodegradation is dominant over biodegradation by HB at all investigated COD dosing levels. However, for E3, the increase of COD dosage triggers a shift of dominant pathway from AOB biodegradation to HB biodegradation. Adsorption becomes the main contributor to estrogen removal at high biomass concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Peng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, PR China
| | - Yiwen Liu
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; Water Chemistry and Water Technology, Engler-Bunte-Institut, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, PR China
| | - Shaoxian Song
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Luoshi Road 122, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, PR China.
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Xu Y, Chen X, Yuan Z, Ni BJ. Modeling of Pharmaceutical Biotransformation by Enriched Nitrifying Culture under Different Metabolic Conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:2835-2843. [PMID: 29446921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical removal could be significantly enhanced through cometabolism during nitrification processes. To date, pharmaceutical biotransformation models have not considered the formation of transformation products associated with the metabolic type of microorganisms. Here we report a comprehensive model to describe and evaluate the biodegradation of pharmaceuticals and the formation of their biotransformation products by enriched nitrifying cultures. The biotransformation of parent compounds was linked to the microbial processes via cometabolism induced by ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) growth, metabolism by AOB, cometabolism by heterotrophs (HET) growth, and metabolism by HET in the model framework. The model was calibrated and validated using experimental data from pharmaceutical biodegradation experiments at realistic levels, taking two pharmaceuticals as examples, i.e., atenolol and acyclovir. Results demonstrated the good predictive performance of the established biotransformation model under different metabolic conditions, as well as the reliability of the established model in predicting different pharmaceutical biotransformations. The linear positive correlation between ammonia oxidation rate and pharmaceutical degradation rate confirmed the major role of cometabolism induced by AOB in the pharmaceutical removal. Dissolved oxygen was also revealed to be capable of regulating the pharmaceutical biotransformation cometabolically, and the substrate competition between ammonium and pharmaceuticals existed especially at high ammonium concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Xu
- Advanced Water Management Centre , The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Xueming Chen
- Advanced Water Management Centre , The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
- Process and Systems Engineering Center (PROSYS), Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering , Technical University of Denmark , 2800 Kgs. Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre , The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Advanced Water Management Centre , The University of Queensland , St. Lucia, Brisbane , QLD 4072 , Australia
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Chang Y, Bai Y, Huo Y, Qu J. Benzophenone-4 Promotes the Growth of a Pseudomonas sp. and Biogenic Oxidation of Mn(II). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:1262-1269. [PMID: 29336564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b05014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between microbes and micropollutants (MPs) play a crucial role in water purification or treatment. Current studies have generally focused on the direct degradation or cometabolism of MPs. Considering the increasing interest in and importance of the roles of MPs in microbial metabolism, we adopted an Mn(II)-oxidizing Pseudomonas sp. QJX-1 using tyrosine (Tyr) as the sole carbon and nitrogen source to investigate the effects of seven MPs on its growth and function. Six MPs exhibited an inhibition effect on bacterial growth and Mn(II) oxidation. Only benzophenone-4 (BP-4) promoted the growth of QJX-1 and biogenic oxidation Mn(II), but its concentration was not directly coupled to growth, which was unexpected. RNA-seq data suggested that the addition of BP-4 did not significantly change the basic metabolic function of QJX-1, but stimulated the upregulation of the pyruvate and gluconeogenesis metabolic pathways of Tyr for QJX-1 growth. Furthermore, protein identification and extracellular superoxide detection indicated that Mn(II) oxidation was largely driven by the formation of superoxide in response to Tyr starvation; the acceleration of superoxide production, due to BP-4 accelerating Tyr consumption, was responsible for the promotion effect of BP-4 on QJX-1 Mn(II) oxidation. Our findings highlight the dual effects that MPs can have on the growth and function of a single strain in aquatic ecosystem, i.e., the coexistence of inhibition and promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Chang
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), Dalian University of Technology , Dalian 116024, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaohui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
| | - Yang Huo
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Science and Technology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100085, China
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Carbamazepine as a Possible Anthropogenic Marker in Water: Occurrences, Toxicological Effects, Regulations and Removal by Wastewater Treatment Technologies. WATER 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/w10020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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35
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Yu X, Nishimura F, Hidaka T. Effects of microbial activity on perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) generation during aerobic biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols in activated sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 610-611:776-785. [PMID: 28826115 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Biotransformation of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can release toxic intermediates and perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) to the aqueous environment. However, little information is known about the role of relevant microbial activity (i.e., autotrophs and/or heterotrophs) in biotransformation of FTOHs. Additionally, the dynamics of microbial community in sludge after exposure to FTOHs remain unclear. In the present research, using domestic and industrial WWTP sludge, we performed lab-scale batch experiments to characterize the FTOHs biodegradation property under aerobic condition. Both heterotrophs and the autotrophs were associated with FTOHs biotransformation. However, the microbial activity influenced PFCAs generation efficiency. Autotrophs based on ammonia oxidation (50mgN/L) resulted in more effective generation of PFCAs than heterotrophs based on glucose (200mgC/L) metabolism. Moreover, autotrophs generated more amounts of short-chain PFCAs (carbon number ≤7) than the heterotrophs. The ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) in ammonia oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs) are suggested as responsible for the enhanced generation of PFCAs during FTOHs biotransformation. In the sludge that had been exposed to poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances in an industrial WWTP, Chlorobi was the predominant microorganisms (36.9%), followed by Proteobacteria (20.2%), Bacteroidetes (11.1%), Chloroflexi (6.2%), Crenarchaeota (5.6%), Planctomycetes (4.2%), and Acidobacteria (3.5%). In the present research, the dosed 8:2 FTOH (12.1mg/L) and its biotransformation products (intermediates and PFCAs) could force a shift in microbial community composition in the sludge. After 192h, Proteobacteria significantly increased and dominated. These results provide knowledge for comprehending the effects of microbial activity on FTOHs biodegradation and the information about interaction between microbial community and the exposure to FTOHs in activated sludge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Yu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan.
| | - Fumitake Nishimura
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
| | - Taira Hidaka
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Kyoto daigaku-Katsura, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
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Peng L, Kassotaki E, Liu Y, Sun J, Dai X, Pijuan M, Rodriguez-Roda I, Buttiglieri G, Ni BJ. Modelling cometabolic biotransformation of sulfamethoxazole by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture. Chem Eng Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Kahl S, Nivala J, van Afferden M, Müller RA, Reemtsma T. Effect of design and operational conditions on the performance of subsurface flow treatment wetlands: Emerging organic contaminants as indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 125:490-500. [PMID: 28915479 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Six pilot-scale subsurface flow treatment wetlands loaded with primary treated municipal wastewater were monitored over one year for classical wastewater parameters and a set of emerging organic compounds (EOCs) serving as process indicators for biodegradation: caffeine, ibuprofen, naproxen, benzotriazole, diclofenac, acesulfame, and carbamazepine. The wetland technologies investigated included conventional horizontal flow, unsaturated vertical flow (single and two-stage), horizontal flow with aeration, vertical flow with aeration, and reciprocating. Treatment efficiency for classical wastewater parameters and EOCs generally increased with increasing design complexity and dissolved oxygen concentrations. The two aerated wetlands and the two-stage vertical flow system showed the highest EOC removal, and the best performance in warm season and most robust performance in the cold season. These three systems performed better than the adjacent conventional WWTP with respect to EOC removal. Acesulfame was observed to be removed (>90%) by intensified wetland systems and with use of a tertiary treatment sand filter during the warm season. Elevated temperature and high oxygen content (aerobic conditions) proved beneficial for EOC removal. For EOCs of moderate to low biodegradability, the co-occurrence of aerobic conditions and low content of readily available carbon appears essential for efficient removal. Such conditions occurred in the aerated systems and with use of a tertiary treatment sand filter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kahl
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jaime Nivala
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (UBZ), Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manfred van Afferden
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (UBZ), Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland A Müller
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Centre for Environmental Biotechnology (UBZ), Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thorsten Reemtsma
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
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Velázquez YF, Nacheva PM. Biodegradability of fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol using different microbial consortiums. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:6779-6793. [PMID: 28091995 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8413-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The biodegradation of fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol using ammonium-nitrite-oxidizing consortium, nitrite-oxidizing consortium, and heterotrophic biomass was evaluated in batch tests applying different retention times. The ammonium-nitrite-oxidizing consortium presented the highest biodegradation percentages for mefenamic acid and metoprolol, of 85 and 64% respectively. This consortium was also capable to biodegrade 79% of fluoxetine. The heterotrophic consortium showed the highest ability to biodegrade fluoxetine reaching 85%, and it also had a high potential for biodegrading mefenamic acid and metoprolol, of 66 and 58% respectively. The nitrite-oxidizing consortium presented the lowest biodegradation of the three pharmaceuticals, of less than 48%. The determination of the selected pharmaceuticals in the dissolved phase and in the biomass indicated that biodegradation was the major removal mechanism of the three compounds. Based on the obtained results, the biodegradation kinetics was adjusted to pseudo-first-order for the three pharmaceuticals. The values of k biol for fluoxetine, mefenamic acid, and metoprolol determined with the three consortiums indicated that ammonium-nitrite-oxidizing and heterotrophic biomass allow a partial biodegradation of the compounds, while no substantial biodegradation can be expected using nitrite-oxidizing consortium. Metoprolol was the less biodegradable compound. The sorption of fluoxetine and mefenamic acid onto biomass had a significant contribution for their removal (6-14%). The lowest sorption coefficients were obtained for metoprolol indicating that the sorption onto biomass is poor (3-4%), and the contribution of this process to the global removal can be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Flores Velázquez
- National Autonomous University of Mexico, Campus IMTA, Paseo Cuauhnáhuac 8532, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Petia Mijaylova Nacheva
- Mexican Institute of Water Technology, Paseo Cuauhnáhuac 8532, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico.
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Torresi E, Escolà Casas M, Polesel F, Plósz BG, Christensson M, Bester K. Impact of external carbon dose on the removal of micropollutants using methanol and ethanol in post-denitrifying Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors. WATER RESEARCH 2017; 108:95-105. [PMID: 27871747 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Addition of external carbon sources to post-denitrification systems is frequently used in wastewater treatment plants to enhance nitrate removal. However, little is known about the fate of micropollutants in post-denitrification systems and the influence of external carbon dosing on their removal. In this study, we assessed the effects of two different types and availability of commonly used carbon sources -methanol and ethanol- on the removal of micropollutants in biofilm systems. Two laboratory-scale moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs), containing AnoxKaldnes K1 carriers with acclimated biofilm from full-scale systems, were operated in continuous-flow using wastewater dosed with methanol and ethanol, respectively. Batch experiments with 22 spiked pharmaceuticals were performed to assess removal kinetics. Acetyl-sulfadiazine, atenolol, citalopram, propranolol and trimethoprim were easily biotransformed in both MBBRs (biotransformations rate constants kbio between 1.2 and 12.9 L gbiomass-1 d-1), 13 compounds were moderately biotransformed (rate constants between 0.2 and 2 L gbiomass-1 d-1) and 4 compounds were recalcitrant. The methanol-dosed MBBR showed higher kbio (e.g., 1.5-2.5-fold) than in the ethanol-dosed MBBR for 9 out of the 22 studied compounds, equal kbio for 10 compounds, while 3 compounds (i.e., targeted sulfonamides) were biotransformed faster in the ethanol-dosed MBBR. While biotransformation of most of the targeted compounds followed first-order kinetics, removal of venlafaxine, carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole and sulfamethizole could be described with a cometabolic model. Analyses of the microbial composition in the biofilms using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that the methanol-dosed MBBR contained higher microbial richness than the one dosed with ethanol, suggesting that improved biotransformation of targeted compounds could be associated with higher microbial richness. During continuous-flow operation, at conditions representative of full-scale denitrification systems (hydraulic residence time = 2 h), the removal efficiencies of micropollutants were below 35% in both MBBRs, with the exception of atenolol and trimethoprim (>80%). Overall, this study demonstrated that MBBRs used for post-denitrification could be optimized to enhance the biotransformation of a number of micropollutants by accounting for optimal carbon sources and extended residence time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torresi
- Veolia Water Technologies AnoxKaldnes, Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47, Lund, Sweden; Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mònica Escolà Casas
- Department of Environmental Science, Århus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Fabio Polesel
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Benedek G Plósz
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet B115, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Magnus Christensson
- Veolia Water Technologies AnoxKaldnes, Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Århus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
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Jewell KS, Falås P, Wick A, Joss A, Ternes TA. Transformation of diclofenac in hybrid biofilm-activated sludge processes. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 105:559-567. [PMID: 27690310 PMCID: PMC5250799 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The biotransformation of diclofenac during wastewater treatment was investigated. Attached growth biomass from a carrier-filled compartment of a hybrid-MBBR at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland was used to test the biotransformation. Laboratory-scale incubation experiments were performed with diclofenac and carriers and high-resolution LC-QTof-MS was implemented to monitor the biotransformation. Up to 20 diclofenac transformation products (TPs) were detected. Tentative structures were proposed for 16 of the TPs after characterization by MS2 fragmentation and/or inferring the structure from the transformation pathway and the molecular formula given by the high resolution ionic mass. The remaining four TPs were unambiguously identified via analytical reference standards. The postulated reactions forming the TPs were: hydroxylation, decarboxylation, oxidation, amide formation, ring-opening and reductive dechlorination. Incubation experiments of individual TPs, those which were available as reference standards, provided a deeper look into the transformation pathways. It was found that the transformation consists of four main pathways but no pathway accounted for a clear majority of the transformation. A 10-day monitoring campaign of the full-scale plant confirmed an 88% removal of diclofenac (from approximately 1.6 μg/L in WWTP influent) and the formation of TPs as found in the laboratory was observed. One of the TPs, N-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-indolinone detected at concentrations of around 0.25 μg/L in WWTP effluent, accounting for 16% of the influent diclofenac concentration. The biotransformation of carriers was compared to a second WWTP not utilising carriers. It was found that in contact with activated sludge, similar hydroxylation and decarboxylation reactions occurred but at much slower rates, whereas some reactions, e.g. reductive dechlorination, were not detected at all. Finally, incubation experiments were performed with attached growth biomass from a third WWTP with a similar process configuration to Bad Ragaz WWTP. A similarly effective removal of diclofenac was found with a similar presence of TPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S Jewell
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Per Falås
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Arne Wick
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Adriano Joss
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Thomas A Ternes
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068, Koblenz, Germany.
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Seira J, Sablayrolles C, Montréjaud-Vignoles M, Albasi C, Joannis-Cassan C. Elimination of an anticancer drug (cyclophosphamide) by a membrane bioreactor: Comprehensive study of mechanisms. Biochem Eng J 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Xu Y, Yuan Z, Ni BJ. Biotransformation of pharmaceuticals by ammonia oxidizing bacteria in wastewater treatment processes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 566-567:796-805. [PMID: 27243932 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical residues could potentially pose detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health, with wastewater treatment being one of the major pathways for pharmaceuticals to enter into the environment. Enhanced removal of pharmaceuticals by ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) has been widely observed in wastewater treatment processes. This article reviews the current knowledge on the biotransformation of pharmaceuticals by AOB. The relationship between the pharmaceuticals removal and nitrification process was revealed. The important role of AOB-induced cometabolism on the biotransformation of pharmaceuticals as well as their transformation products and pathways was elucidated. Kinetics and mathematical models describing the biotransformation of pharmaceuticals by AOB were also reviewed. The results highlighted the high degradation capabilities of AOB toward some refractory pharmaceuticals, with their degradations being clearly related to the nitrification rate and their transformation products being identified, which may exhibit similar or higher ecotoxicological impacts compared to the parent compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Xu
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhiguo Yuan
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Bing-Jie Ni
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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43
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Torresi E, Fowler SJ, Polesel F, Bester K, Andersen HR, Smets BF, Plósz BG, Christensson M. Biofilm Thickness Influences Biodiversity in Nitrifying MBBRs-Implications on Micropollutant Removal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:9279-9288. [PMID: 27477857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In biofilm systems for wastewater treatment (e.g., moving bed biofilms reactors-MBBRs) biofilm thickness is typically not under direct control. Nevertheless, biofilm thickness is likely to have a profound effect on the microbial diversity and activity, as a result of diffusion limitation and thus substrate penetration in the biofilm. In this study, we investigated the impact of biofilm thickness on nitrification and on the removal of more than 20 organic micropollutants in laboratory-scale nitrifying MBBRs. We used novel carriers (Z-carriers, AnoxKaldnes) that allowed controlling biofilm thickness at 50, 200, 300, 400, and 500 μm. The impact of biofilm thickness on microbial community was assessed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) abundance quantification through quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results from batch experiments and microbial analysis showed that (i) the thickest biofilm (500 μm) presented the highest specific biotransformation rate constants (kbio, L g(-1) d(-1)) for 14 out of 22 micropollutants; (ii) biofilm thickness positively associated with biodiversity, which was suggested as the main factor for the observed enhancement of kbio; (iii) the thinnest biofilm (50 μm) exhibited the highest nitrification rate (gN d(-1) g(-1)), amoA gene abundance and kbio values for some of the most recalcitrant micropollutants (i.e., diclofenac and targeted sulfonamides). Although thin biofilms favored nitrification activity and the removal of some micropollutants, treatment systems based on thicker biofilms should be considered to enhance the elimination of a broad spectrum of micropollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Torresi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
- Veolia Water Technologies AB-AnoxKaldnes , Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47 Lund, Sweden
| | - S Jane Fowler
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fabio Polesel
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kai Bester
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University , Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Henrik R Andersen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Barth F Smets
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Benedek Gy Plósz
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet B115, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Magnus Christensson
- Veolia Water Technologies AB-AnoxKaldnes , Klosterängsvägen 11A, SE-226 47 Lund, Sweden
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Katipoglu-Yazan T, Merlin C, Pons MN, Ubay-Cokgor E, Orhon D. Chronic impact of sulfamethoxazole on the metabolic activity and composition of enriched nitrifying microbial culture. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 100:546-555. [PMID: 27235775 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the chronic impact of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) on activated sludge sustaining an enriched nitrifying biomass. For this purpose, a laboratory scale fill and draw reactor was operated with 100 mg COD/L of peptone mixture and 50 mg N/L of ammonia at a sludge age of 15 days. Additionally, the biomass was exposed to a daily SMX dose of 50 mg/L once the reactor reached steady-state conditions. The reactor performance and microbial composition were monitored for 37 days with conventional parameters and molecular techniques based on the gene for ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) and the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and 16S rRNA gene cloning analyses suggested a microbial community change concurrent with the addition of SMX. Specifically, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses (qPCR/RT-qPCR) revealed a significant reduction in the levels and activity of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB). However, the acclimation period ended with high amoA mRNA levels and improved nitrification efficiency. Partial degradation of SMX by heterotrophic bacteria was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Katipoglu-Yazan
- Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering Department, 34469 Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey; CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Institut Jean Barriol, 15 Avenue du Charmois, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Christophe Merlin
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour l'Environnement (LCPME), UMR 7564, Institut Jean Barriol, 15 Avenue du Charmois, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, LCPME, UMR 7564, 15 Avenue du Charmois, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - Marie-Noëlle Pons
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UMR 7274 CNRS) Université de Lorraine, 1 rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001 Nancy Cedex, France.
| | - Emine Ubay-Cokgor
- Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering Department, 34469 Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Derin Orhon
- Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering Department, 34469 Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey; ENVIS Energy and Environmental Systems R&D Ltd, ITU Arı Teknokent, Arı 1 Building No.16, Maslak 34469, Turkey.
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Kassotaki E, Buttiglieri G, Ferrando-Climent L, Rodriguez-Roda I, Pijuan M. Enhanced sulfamethoxazole degradation through ammonia oxidizing bacteria co-metabolism and fate of transformation products. WATER RESEARCH 2016; 94:111-119. [PMID: 26938496 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of the widely-used antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SFX) in wastewaters and surface waters has been reported in a large number of studies. However, the results obtained up-to-date have pointed out disparities in its removal. This manuscript explores the enhanced biodegradation potential of an enriched culture of Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) towards SFX. Several sets of batch tests were conducted to establish a link between SFX degradation and specific ammonia oxidation rate. The occurrence, degradation and generation of SFX and some of its transformation products (4-Nitro SFX, Desamino-SFX and N(4)-Acetyl-SFX) was also monitored. A clear link between the degradation of SFX and the nitrification rate was found, resulting in an increased SFX removal at higher specific ammonia oxidation rates. Moreover, experiments conducted under the presence of allylthiourea (ATU) did not present any removal of SFX, suggesting a connection between the AMO enzyme and SFX degradation. Long term experiments (up to 10 weeks) were also conducted adding two different concentrations (10 and 100 μg/L) of SFX in the influent of a partial nitrification sequencing batch reactor, resulting in up to 98% removal. Finally, the formation of transformation products during SFX degradation represented up to 32%, being 4-Nitro-SFX the most abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissavet Kassotaki
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Gianluigi Buttiglieri
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
| | - Laura Ferrando-Climent
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain; IFE, Tracer Technology Department, Oil and Gas Section, Institute for Energy Technology, P.O. Box 40, NO-2027, Kjeller, Norway.
| | - Ignasi Rodriguez-Roda
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain; LEQUiA, Laboratory of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17071, Girona, Spain.
| | - Maite Pijuan
- ICRA, Catalan Institute for Water Research, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, 17003, Girona, Spain.
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Pomiès M, Choubert JM, Wisniewski C, Miège C, Budzinski H, Coquery M. Lab-scale experimental strategy for determining micropollutant partition coefficient and biodegradation constants in activated sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:4383-4395. [PMID: 25300180 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-3646-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The nitrifying/denitrifying activated sludge process removes several micropollutants from wastewater by sorption onto sludge and/or biodegradation. The objective of this paper is to propose and evaluate a lab-scale experimental strategy for the determination of partition coefficient and biodegradation constant for micropollutant with an objective of modelling their removal. Four pharmaceutical compounds (ibuprofen, atenolol, diclofenac and fluoxetine) covering a wide hydrophobicity range (log Kow from 0.16 to 4.51) were chosen. Dissolved and particulate concentrations were monitored for 4 days, inside two reactors working under aerobic and anoxic conditions, and under different substrate feed conditions (biodegradable carbon and nitrogen). We determined the mechanisms responsible for the removal of the target compounds: (i) ibuprofen was biodegraded, mainly under aerobic conditions by cometabolism with biodegradable carbon, whereas anoxic conditions suppressed biodegradation; (ii) atenolol was biodegraded under both aerobic and anoxic conditions (with a higher biodegradation rate under aerobic conditions), and cometabolism with biodegradable carbon was the main mechanism; (iii) diclofenac and fluoxetine were removed by sorption only. Finally, the abilities of our strategy were evaluated by testing the suitability of the parameters for simulating effluent concentrations and removal efficiency at a full-scale plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pomiès
- Irstea, UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS70077, 69626, Villeurbanne, Cedex, France
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Lu Z, Reif R, Gan J. Isomer-specific biodegradation of nonylphenol in an activated sludge bioreactor and structure-biodegradability relationship. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 68:282-290. [PMID: 25462736 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP), one of the priority hazardous substances, is in fact a mixture of numerous isomers. It is inconclusive whether or not biodegradation during wastewater treatment process is isomer-specific, leading to the environmental release of NP in different isomer profiles. In this study, we evaluated the isomer selectivity of 19 NP isomers in a laboratory-scale continuous flow conventional activated sludge bioreactor under various operational conditions. The removal efficiency of NP isomers ranged from 90 to 99%, depending on the operational conditions and isomer structures. Isomer selective biodegradation resulted in the increase of composition of recalcitrant isomers, such as, NP₁₉₃a/b, NP₁₁₀a and NP₁₉₄ in the effluent. Moreover, biodegradability was related to the bulkiness of α-substituents and followed α-dimethyl > α-ethyl-α-methyl > α-methyl-α-n-propyl > α-iso-propyl-α-methyl. Steric effect index, a quantitative descriptor of steric hindrance, was linearly correlated with residues of NP isomers in the effluent (R² = 0.76). Decrease of temperature to 10 °C decreased the overall biodegradability and also enhanced the relative enrichment of recalcitrant isomers. These findings suggest that isomer compositions of NP entering the environment may be different from those in technical mixtures and that isomeric selectivity should be taken into account to better understand the occurrence, fate, and ecological risks of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijiang Lu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
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Alvarino T, Suarez S, Katsou E, Vazquez-Padin J, Lema JM, Omil F. Removal of PPCPs from the sludge supernatant in a one stage nitritation/anammox process. WATER RESEARCH 2015; 68:701-709. [PMID: 25462774 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2014.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) are extensively used and can therefore find their way into surface, groundwater and municipal and industrial effluents. In this work, the occurrence, fate and removal mechanisms of 19 selected PPCPs was investigated in an 'ELiminación Autótrofa de Nitrógeno' (ELAN) reactor of 200 L. In this configuration, ammonium oxidation to nitrite and the anoxic ammonium oxidation (anammox)processes occur simultaneously in a single-stage reactor under oxygen limited conditions. The ELAN process achieved high removal (>80%) of the studied hormones, naproxen, ibuprofen, bisphenol A and celestolide, while it was not effective in the removal of carbamazepine (<7%), diazepam (<7%) and fluoxetine (<30%). Biodegradation was the dominant removal mechanism, while sorption was only observed for musk fragrances, fluoxetine and triclosan. The sorption was strongly dependent on the granule size, with smaller granules facilitating the sorption of the target compounds. Increased hydraulic retention time enhanced the intramolecular diffusion of the PPCPs into the granules, and thus increased the solid phase concentration. The increase of nitritation rate favored the removal of ibuprofen, bisphenol A and triclosan, while the removal of erythromycin was strongly correlated to the anammox reaction rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Alvarino
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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