Paracetamol mineralization strategy in laboratory scale using Aspergillus niger KCAC

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Bioremediation technologies
• Pharmaceutical pollution control

Background:

• Pharmaceutical contaminants in wastewater pose environmental risks, including the emergence of drug resistance.
• Wastewater sources include industrial effluents, antibiotic misuse, and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals.
• Effective pharmaceutical waste management is crucial for environmental and public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mycoremediation of paracetamol (APAP) using a fungal isolate.
• To identify and characterize a fungal strain capable of degrading APAP.
• To develop a cost-effective and eco-friendly fungal bioformulation for APAP bioremediation.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of a paracetamol-degrading fungal strain.
• Laboratory-scale experiments to assess APAP degradation efficiency.
• Development of a fungal bioformulation using used vegetable cooking oil as a substrate.

Main Results:

• The isolated fungal strain, identified as Aspergillus niger KCAC, demonstrated efficient paracetamol degradation.
• A degradation rate of 99.6% for paracetamol was achieved by Aspergillus niger KCAC.
• A stable, low-cost, and eco-friendly bioformulation with an extended shelf-life was successfully prepared.

Conclusions:

• Aspergillus niger KCAC is a highly effective agent for paracetamol biodegradation.
• The developed fungal bioformulation shows promise for large-scale application in wastewater treatment.
• This mycoremediation approach offers a sustainable solution for managing paracetamol-contaminated wastewater.