Evaluation of the degradation kinetics of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by the Desmodesmus sp. microalgae-bacteria consortium and Enterobacter cloacae

• Grant number: 24/17289-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Zaiat
• Grantee: Gisele Miranda Gomes
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10615-1 - Consolidation of the biorefinery concept applied to the biological treatment of wastewater and solid wastes, AP.TEM

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate the degradation kinetics of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by a consortium of microalgae (Desmodesmus sp.) and bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae). TBBPA is a flame retardant widely used in various products, but its persistence and toxicity pose environmental and human health risks. Studies have shown that TBBPA can be hepatotoxic, cytotoxic, immunotoxic, and an endocrine disruptor. Additionally, it has been classified as a possible carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The degradation of TBBPA is not yet fully understood, but research suggests that microbial degradation is one of the primary removal processes. This project aims to study TBBPA degradation through a relatively unexplored biological system: the microalgae-bacteria consortium. The study seeks to contribute to the development of efficient methods for removing TBBPA from contaminated environments, aiming to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by this compound. Furthermore, the project intends to expand knowledge on TBBPA degradation by the Desmodesmus sp. and Enterobacter cloacae microalgae-bacteria consortium.