The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac is readily biodegradable in agricultural soils.
Diclofenac, 2-[2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]phenyl]acetic acid, is an important non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug widely used for human and animals to reduce inflammation and pain. Diclofenac could potentially reach agricultural lands through the application of municipal biosolids or wastewater, and in the absence of any environmental fate data, we evaluated its persistence in agricultural soils incubated in the laboratory. (14)C-Diclofenac was rapidly mineralized without a lag when added to soils varying widely in texture (sandy loam, loam, clay loam). Over a range of temperature and moisture conditions extractable (14)C-diclofenac residues decreased with half lives <5days. No extractable transformation products were detectable by HPLC. Diclofenac mineralization in the loam soil was abolished by heat sterilization. Addition of biosolids to sterile or non-sterile soil did not accelerate the dissipation of diclofenac. These findings indicate that diclofenac is readily biodegradable in agricultural soils.
Al-Rajab
Abdul Jabbar
AJ
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, London, ON, Canada N5V 4T3.
Sabourin
Lyne
L
Lapen
David R
DR
Topp
Edward
E
D000383:Agriculture; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D004008:Diclofenac