Assessing Biodegradation and Exposure Effects of Bisphenol-A with Microbial Communities Involved in Biological Nutrient Removal

Biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems hold the potential for attenuation of emerging contaminants (ECs) in wastewater. Removal of such microconstituents is of interest given the detrimental effects ECs can have on aquatic environments. Taking advantage of biological EC removal in BNR systems requires a clear understanding of the role of specific organisms and metabolic functions related to contaminant degradation. This work assessed the biodegradation of the endocrine disrupting compound bisphenol-A (BPA) by several microbial communities involved in BNR processes, including nitrogen and phosphorus removal. BPA degradation kinetics were determined through BPA exposure and batch degradation experiments. Results indicate that BPA degradation potential is influenced by treatment processes as well as previous BPA exposure conditions. Molecular analysis of both DNA and RNA for these communities is also being applied to better understand which organisms and metabolic mechanisms contribute to the biodegradation of BPA.