Biotransformation of trace organic compounds by activated sludge from a biological nutrient removal treatment system.
The removal of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) and their biotransformation rates, kb (LgSS(-)(1)h(-)(1)) was investigated across different redox zones in a biological nutrient removal (BNR) system using an OECD batch test. Biodegradation kinetics of fourteen TOrCs with initial concentration of 1-36μgL(-)(1) in activated sludge were monitored over the course of 24h. Degradation kinetic behavior for the TOrCs fell into four groupings: Group 1 (atenolol) was biotransformed (0.018-0.22LgSS(-)(1)h(-)(1)) under anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic conditions. Group 2 (meprobamate and trimethoprim) biotransformed (0.01-0.21LgSS(-)(1)h(-)(1)) under anoxic and aerobic conditions, Group 3 (DEET, gemfibrozil and triclosan) only biotransformed (0.034-0.26LgSS(-)(1)h(-)(1)) under aerobic conditions, and Group 4 (carbamazepine, primidone, sucralose and TCEP) exhibited little to no biotransformation (<0.001LgSS(-)(1)h(-)(1)) under any redox conditions. BNR treatment did not provide a barrier against Group 4 compounds.
Applied Research and Development Center, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Henderson, NV 89015, United States. Electronic address: mandu.inyang@gmail.com.
Mandu
M
Inyang
Applied Research and Development Center, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Henderson, NV 89015, United States; Southern Company, Birmingham, AL 35292, United States.
Riley
R
Flowers
Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States.
Drew
D
McAvoy
Applied Research and Development Center, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Henderson, NV 89015, United States. Electronic address: eric.dickenson@snwa.com.
Eric
E
Dickenson
D000332:Aerobiosis; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001711:Biotransformation; D007700:Kinetics; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010100:Oxygen / Q000032:analysis; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D012722:Sewage; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen
Activated sludge; Biodegradation; Biological nutrient removal; Redox; Trace organics