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Assessment of trace organic chemical removal by a membrane bioreactor using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and a yeast screen bioassay
Author(s) -
Coleman Heather M.,
Troester Martin,
Khan Stuart J.,
McDonald James A.,
Watkins Graeme,
Stuetz Richard M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1897/08-531.1
Subject(s) - bioassay , mass spectrometry , chromatography , chemistry , gas chromatography , yeast , gas chromatography–mass spectrometry , bioreactor , environmental chemistry , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , genetics
A membrane bioreactor (MBR) was assessed for the removal of estrogens, androgens, and a selection of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The biomass and aqueous components of the MBR were investigated to determine whether removal was by biodegradation or by adsorption to the biomass. Removal was monitored using chemical analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) as well as biological analysis using estrogenic and androgenic yeast assays. Results showed that the MBR was effective in removing the compounds of concern from raw influent with removal rates between 78 and 99%. Removal efficiencies were comparable or better than those reported for conventional activated sludge systems, which was attributed to the relatively high sludge retention time of the MBR. The biomass component showed significant concentrations of salicylic acid, triclosan, and 4‐ tert ‐octylphenol. Estrogenic and androgenic activity was also measured in the biomass. Estrone was identified as the main compound responsible for the estrogenic activity. It was concluded that the main removal pathway was biodegradation, but sorption to biomass may also be important, particularly for triclosan and 4‐ tert ‐octylphenol.