Continuous removal of caffeine in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass bioreactor: identification of transformation products

Author(s)

Martins, Giovana Silva ; Rodrigues, Thais ; Lamarca, Rafaela Silva ; Ayala-Duran, Saidy Cristina ; da Silva, Bianca Ferreira ; Gomes, Paulo Clairmont Feitosa de Lima

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research; v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2023-09-23.

Abstract

Anaerobic bioreactors are an efficient technology for the biodegradation of emerging contaminants in environmental matrices. In this work, a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) bioreactor was used to remove caffeine (CAF), which is frequently found in various aqueous matrices. The acrylic bench top bioreactor, with dimensions of 100 x 5.00 cm, was operated with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 12 h, during 45 weeks, under mesophilic conditions. The operation was performed in 4 phases: without CAF addition (phase I); CAF spiked at 300 mu g L-1 (phase II); CAF at 600 mu g L-1 (phase III); and CAF at 900 mu g L-1 (phase IV). Samples of bioreactor influent and effluent were analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The bioreactor removed organic matter (OM) and CAF with efficiencies of 88 and 93%, respectively. The first-order apparent removal constant (Kapp) values for OM and CAF were 0.419 and 0.304 h-1, respectively. Five transformation products (TPs) were identified, with m/z 243, 227, 211, and 181 (two products). The HAIB bioreactor is a suitable system for the removal of CAF present in wastewater, even at a concentration level of mu g L-1. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/02991-3 - New analytical strategies to determine chemicals of emerging concern present in environmental, food and biological samples
• Grantee: Paulo Clairmont Feitosa de Lima Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22393-8 - Biochar applied in the removal of emerging contaminants present in wastewater
• Grantee: Paulo Clairmont Feitosa de Lima Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants