Paracetamol - toxicity and microbial utilization. Pseudomonas moorei KB4 as a case study for exploring degradation
Joanna Żur1, Danuta Wojcieszyńska1, Katarzyna Hupert-Kocurek1
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Silesia in Katowice, Jagiellońska 28, 40-032 Katowice, Poland.
Abstract:
Paracetamol, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, is currently one of the most emerging pollutants worldwide. Besides its wide prevalence in the literature only several bacterial strains able to degrade this compound have been described. In this study, we isolated six new bacterial strains able to remove paracetamol. The isolated strains were identified as the members of Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acinetobacter and Sphingomonas genera and characterized phenotypically and biochemically using standard methods. From the isolated strains, Pseudomonas moorei KB4 was able to utilize 50 mg L-1 of paracetamol. As the main degradation products, p-aminophenol and hydroquinone were identified. Based on the measurements of specific activity of acyl amidohydrolase, deaminase and hydroquinone 1,2-dioxygenase and the results of liquid chromatography analyses, we proposed a mechanism of paracetamol degradation by KB4 strain under co-metabolic conditions with glucose. Additionally, toxicity bioassays and the influence of various environmental factors, including pH, temperature, heavy metals at no-observed-effective-concentrations, and the presence of aromatic compounds on the efficiency and mechanism of paracetamol degradation by KB4 strain were determined. This comprehensive study about paracetamol biodegradation will be helpful in designing a treatment systems of wastewaters contaminated with paracetamol.
Insights
Six new bacterial strains capable of paracetamol biodegradation were identified, with Pseudomonas moorei KB4 showing significant removal. This research aids in developing wastewater treatment systems for this emerging pollutant.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Bioremediation of pharmaceuticals
Background:
- Paracetamol is a prevalent global pollutant with limited known bacterial degradation pathways.
- Effective bioremediation strategies are needed to address paracetamol contamination in wastewater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel bacterial strains capable of paracetamol biodegradation.
- To elucidate the degradation mechanism and influencing factors for paracetamol removal by Pseudomonas moorei KB4.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of six bacterial strains exhibiting paracetamol removal capabilities.
- Phenotypic and biochemical characterization of isolated strains, including Pseudomonas moorei KB4.
- Enzymatic activity assays, liquid chromatography, toxicity bioassays, and environmental factor analysis.
Main Results:
- Six bacterial strains from Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, and Sphingomonas genera were isolated.
- Pseudomonas moorei KB4 demonstrated efficient paracetamol utilization (50 mg/L), producing p-aminophenol and hydroquinone.
- A paracetamol degradation pathway involving specific enzymes was proposed, and optimal environmental conditions were identified.
Conclusions:
- Novel bacterial strains, particularly Pseudomonas moorei KB4, can effectively biodegrade paracetamol.
- Understanding the degradation mechanism and environmental influences is crucial for designing effective paracetamol wastewater treatment systems.
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