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The effect of pharmaceuticals on the kinetics of methanogenesis and acetogenesis

M S Fountoulakis1, K Stamatelatou, G Lyberatos

  • 1Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, University Campus, Rio, GR-26500 Patras, Greece. m_fountoul@chemeng.upatras.gr

Bioresource Technology
|February 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Propranolol hydrochloride, ofloxacin, and diclofenac sodium were studied for their impact on anaerobic digestion. Propranolol hydrochloride showed the strongest inhibition of key microorganisms involved in the process.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Biochemical engineering
  • Wastewater treatment

Background:

  • Pharmaceuticals in wastewater pose risks to microbial processes.
  • Anaerobic digestion is crucial for organic waste treatment.
  • Acetogens and acetoclastic methanogens are sensitive to contaminants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To simulate the inhibitory effects of propranolol hydrochloride, ofloxacin, and diclofenac sodium on anaerobic digestion.
  • To quantify the impact of these pharmaceuticals on acetogens and acetoclastic methanogens.
  • To estimate inhibition constants for pharmaceutical compounds.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the anaerobic digestion model (ADM1) for simulations.
  • Estimated kinetic parameters (maximum consumption rate, saturation constant) by fitting ADM1 to experimental data.
  • Employed a modified non-competitive inhibition function to determine inhibition constants from batch experiments at varying pharmaceutical concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Propranolol hydrochloride exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on both acetogens and acetoclastic methanogens.
  • Kinetic parameters for acetate and propionate degraders were successfully estimated.
  • Inhibition constants were determined for the tested pharmaceuticals.

Conclusions:

  • Propranolol hydrochloride poses the highest risk to anaerobic digestion efficiency among the tested pharmaceuticals.
  • The ADM1 model, with modified inhibition functions, is effective for assessing pharmaceutical impacts.
  • Understanding pharmaceutical inhibition is vital for maintaining effective wastewater treatment processes.

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