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Paul M Bradley1, Larry B Barber, Dana W Kolpin

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Ecotoxicology

Background:

  • 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) is a common wastewater contaminant.
  • Its environmental fate, particularly biodegradation, is crucial for assessing ecological risk.
  • Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are significant sources of 4-NP in aquatic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for in situ biodegradation of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP).
  • To evaluate the influence of environmental conditions, specifically oxygen availability, on 4-NP mineralization.
  • To correlate biodegradation rates with sediment characteristics like biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

Main Methods:

  • Microcosm experiments using sediments from three distinct US streams impacted by WWTPs.
  • Incubation of sediments under both oxic and anoxic conditions.
  • Use of radiolabeled [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-nonylphenol (4-n-NP) to track mineralization to (14)CO(2).

Main Results:

  • Rapid and complete mineralization of [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-NP to (14)CO(2) was observed under oxic conditions in all tested sediments.
  • No significant mineralization of [U-ring-(14)C]4-n-NP occurred under anoxic (methanogenic) conditions.
  • The rate of 4-n-NP mineralization was inversely correlated with the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the sediments.

Conclusions:

  • Dissolved oxygen availability in streambed sediments is a critical factor controlling the rate and extent of 4-NP biodegradation.
  • Active in situ biodegradation of 4-NP is likely in oxygen-rich stream environments, even downstream of WWTPs.
  • WWTP operational strategies that enhance dissolved oxygen and reduce BOD release can promote efficient 4-NP degradation in impacted streams.