Micropollutants in sanitary sewage: the role of acidogenesis, methanogenesis and nitrification/denitrification in the degradation of triclosan, ibuprofen, diclofenac, atenolol, propranolol and carbamazepine

• Grant number: 22/01945-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Zaiat
• Grantee: Matheus Neves de Araujo
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/21943-5 - Investigating biotransformation products and toxicological effects of samples from a combined anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic biological treatment system using MRM profiling as a core -omics tool, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

In parallel with the advances and achievements achieved in modern societies through technical-scientific development, several problems related to human and environmental health have arisen as a result of the insertion of certain groups of molecules, compounds or substances that did not previously exist in environmental compartments, such as for example. eg water resources, which are then called micropollutants. Among the range of micropollutants, there are compounds that are considered a priority in terms of attention to their deleterious effects on human and environmental health, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The wide and massive use of these classes of micropollutants has been found in several environmental compartments. In addition, the low removal efficiency in conventional effluent treatment plants that provide effluents with significant contributions of these compounds and in sludge treatment plants are relevant factors in relation to the presence and persistence of micropollutants in the environment. Despite the ability of anaerobic processes to promote fundamental aspects to overcome the challenges related to micropollutants present in sanitary sewage, there are few works in the literature that seek to understand the effects of anaerobic processes in conjunction with nitrogen removal processes for the degradation of micropollutants. In this context, the main objective of this research project is to evaluate a biological treatment system for sanitary sewage based on anaerobic digestion and on heterotrophic nitrification and denitrification processes for the degradation of six micropollutants. (AU)