Degradation mechanism of Ibuprofen via a forward osmosis membrane bioreactor. (February 2021) - Yao, Meichen
Highlights: Decarboxylation and hydroxylation may be the primary methods of IBU degradation. Proteobacteria was the main phylum at both DNA and RNA levels. Based on the RNA results, Thauera and Azoarcus were the dominant genera. Abstract: Ibuprofen (IBU) is a non-steroidal drug that is classified as a trace organic compound (TrOC). A forward osmosis membrane bioreactor (FOMBR) has traditionally been a favored technology for wastewater treatment. In this study, the IBU degradation mechanism was clarified using an FOMBR. The results indicated that the average removal efficiencies of contaminants were greater than 96.32%. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS) results demonstrated that there were 10 intermediates and 5 possible pathways during the IBU degradation. Decarboxylation and hydroxylation may be the primary pathways of IBU degradation. The microbial results illustrated that Proteobacteria was dominant and of utmost importance in the degradation process. Thauera and Azoarcus were the dominant genera that participated in contaminant degradation.