Inhibitory effect of veterinary antibiotics on denitrification in groundwater: a microcosm approach.
Veterinary antibiotics in groundwater may affect natural microbial denitrification process. A microcosm study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sulfamethazine and chlortetracycline at different concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L) on nitrate reduction in groundwater under denitrifying condition. Decrease in nitrate removal and nitrite production was observed with the antibiotics. Maximum inhibition of nitrate removal was observed after seven days of incubation with 0.01 mg/L sulfamethazine (17.0%) and 1.0 mg/L chlortetracycline (15.4%). The nitrite production was inhibited with 1.0 mg/L sulfamethazine to 82.0% and chlortetracycline to 31.1%. The initial/final nitrate concentrations indicated that 0.01 mg/L sulfamethazine and 1.0 mg/L chlortetracycline were most effective in inhibiting activity of denitrifying bacteria in groundwater. After 12 days of incubation, the sulfamethazine biodegradation was observed whereas chlortetracycline was persistent. Sulfamethazine and chlortetracycline in groundwater could inhibit the growth and capability of naturally occurring denitrifying bacteria, thereby threatening nitrate pollution in groundwater.
Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea ; University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan.
Mahtab
0000-0001-8427-4866
M
Ahmad
Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea ; Chemical and Environmental Systems Modeling Research Group, Institute of Fundamental Studies, 20000 Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Meththika
0000-0003-2923-4065
M
Vithanage
Department of Environmental Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 573-701, Republic of Korea.
Kangjoo
K
Kim
Department of Bio-Environmental Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 540-950, Republic of Korea.
Ju-Sik
JS
Cho
Division of Plant Environmental Research, Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Service, Jinju 660-360, Republic of Korea.
Young Han
YH
Lee
Division of Biological Science and Technology, Yonsei University, Wonju 220-710, Republic of Korea.
Young Kyoo
YK
Joo
Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea.
Sang Soo
SS
Lee
Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea.
Yong Sik
0000-0003-3401-0912
YS
Ok
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D058440:Denitrification / Q000187:drug effects*; D060587:Groundwater / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000737:chemistry; D009573:Nitrites / Q000737:chemistry; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009566:Nitrates; D009573:Nitrites; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical