Public and regulatory interest regarding the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment is increasing. Wastewater treatment is the primary route of PPCPs into the environment. Within wastewater treatment there are many routes by which chemicals are transformed; however, biodegradation due to the metabolic activities of microorganisms during the treatment process is the predominant route of PPCP breakdown.  Consequently, it may be possible to decrease the amount of PPCPs entering the environment by augmenting WWTPs with microbes capable of more efficiently degrading these molecules. To establish a model system for exploring the biodegradation of PPCPs, initial studies investigated the degradation of the widely prescribed antidepressant venlafaxine. Microcosms containing aerobic sludge were spiked with deuterated venlafaxine.Two venlafaxine metabolites were observed as early as day 2 of the microcosm experiment. Bacterial community composition shifts in the sludge will be determined by DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis).

Degradation of the antidepressant venlafaxine in aerobic municipal wastewater sludge

245th National Meeting (2013)

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