Evaluation of the Fate of Environmentally Relevant Micropollutants: Carbamazepine (CBZ), Iopromide (IOP), and Trimethoprim (TMP)

We conducted preliminary biotransformation experiments utilizing LC-MS/MS analysis of supernatant collected during batch cultivation of monoculture of Nitrosomonas europaea with carbamazepine (CBZ), iopromide (IOP) and trimethoprim (TMP), three environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). CBZ and TMP were not transformed during batch incubation with N. europaea. IOP results indicated significant removal (65–70%) of the parent compound over 28.5 days of cultivation. Four metabolites designated IM1 (237 m/z), TM2 (279 m/z), IM3 (219 m/z) and IM4 (239 m/z) were observed over the course of the experiment with IM1 and IM2 being predominant up to 19.5 days. Between 19.5 days and 28.5 days, IM1 dropped below detection while IM3 and IM4 were detected along with IM2. Sorption data indicated that the fate of CBZ and IOP is not primarily governed by sorption to biomass. Future experiments will provide further information regarding the fate of these PPCPs under physiological conditions typical of treatment plants, while also characterizing metabolite formation.