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Removal of Ibuprofen in Water by Bioaugmentation with Labrys neptuniae CSW11 Isolated from Sewage Sludge—Assessment of Biodegradation Pathway Based on Metabolite Formation and Genomic Analysis

Summary

This study shows that a bacterium called Labrys neptuniae CSW11 can effectively remove ibuprofen from water, a common pharmaceutical that pollutes our environment. The bacteria works especially well when given glucose as extra food, removing ibuprofen completely within a week. However, the bacteria breaks ibuprofen down into toxic byproducts, so using it alongside other bacteria that can degrade these byproducts would make the treatment even more effective for cleaning contaminated wastewater.

Background

Ibuprofen (IBP) is one of the most consumed pharmaceutical compounds worldwide and is only partially removed in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), leading to its widespread presence as an emergent xenobiotic in various environmental compartments. L. neptuniae CSW11, recently described as an IBP degrader, offers potential for bioremediation applications through bioaugmentation processes.

Objective

This study investigates the use of Labrys neptuniae CSW11 for removing ibuprofen from water under different conditions with various carbon sources and IBP concentrations. The research aims to assess the biodegradation pathway through metabolite identification and genomic analysis to propose a complete degradation mechanism.

Results

L. neptuniae CSW11 achieved 100% IBP removal in 4 days (1-5 mg/L) and 7 days (10 mg/L) with 3 g/L glucose supplementation. Three metabolites were identified: 1-hydroxyibuprofen, 2-hydroxyibuprofen, and carboxyibuprofen. Metabolite concentrations decreased significantly with glucose addition, and genome analysis revealed potential enzymes involved in IBP degradation including enoyl-CoA hydratase and acyl-CoA synthetase.

Conclusion

L. neptuniae CSW11 demonstrates effective IBP degradation capabilities across a wide concentration range, particularly with glucose supplementation. However, toxic metabolites persist after IBP removal, suggesting bioaugmentation should combine CSW11 with other bacterial strains capable of metabolite degradation for complete remediation and environmental protection.
  • Published in:Journal of Xenobiotics,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMC11755648, PMID: 39846537
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