Unveiling the antibiotics removal ability of Monoraphidium contortum

Author(s):Show less -

Costa-Ramos, Larissa T. A. ; Senra, Marcus V. X. ; Nogueira, Guilherme H. S. ; Ramalho-Junior, Ralf R. ; Andrade, Sandro J. ; Santo, Evellin E. ; Gohara-Beirigo, Aline K. ; Santos, Juliana Gomes ; Ferreira-Camargo, Livia S. ; Carvalho, Joao Carlos M. ; Matsudo, Marcelo C.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Biochemical Engineering Journal; v. 217, p. 10-pg., 2025-05-01.

Abstract

This study shows the Monoraphidium contortum potential for removing antibiotics, specifically sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP), from wastewater. Experiments were conducted using a bench-scale tubular photobioreactor, where the microalga demonstrated the ability to reduce antibiotic concentrations while simultaneously removing inorganic nutrients and producing commercially valuable biomass. When each antibiotic was individually added in the culture medium, M. contortum was able to remove 42.3 % of SMX and 28.6 % of TMP. However, when both antibiotics were introduced simultaneously, SMX removal decreased to 7 %. Additionally, the biochemical composition of the resulting biomass revealed stable lipid content, with a fatty acid profile suitable for biodiesel production. By genome analysis, it was possible to identify a multicopper oxidase enzyme, with potential antibiotic-degrading properties, shedding light on the mechanisms behind the removal process. These findings suggest that M. contortum could play a crucial role in bioremediation and sustainable wastewater treatment, generating feedstock for bioenergy production. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/04170-0 - Evaluation of microalgae for the bioremediation of emerging contaminants in association with tertiary wastewater treatment
• Grantee: Marcelo Chuei Matsudo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants