Exploring antibiotic biotransformation in denitrifying wastewater treatment processes

Abstract

Biological nutrient treatment, primarily through activated sludge processes, is a core component of wastewater treatment plants WWTPs and the primary site for most biotransformation mechanisms. Although substantial research has focused on aerobic conditions, the mechanisms and efficiencies of micropollutant biodegradation under anoxic conditions specifically denitrification are far less understood. Denitrification, a key biological nutrient removal process, may offer a pathway for cometabolic antibiotic degradation. However, the relationships between operational parameters, microbial community composition, enzymatic activity, and micropollutant fate remain unclear. Understanding these complex interactions is critical for optimizing treatment processes, achieving compliance with increasingly stringent regulations, and mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance. This doctoral research aims to bridge these knowledge gaps by investigating antibiotic biotransformation under denitrifying conditions.