Abstract
The consumption of pharmaceuticals has increased worldwide and new compounds are continually being introduced in the market. Studies on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals show that the widely used pharmaceuticals acid clofibric are present in relevant concentrations in the environment. This molecule is recognized as highly resistant to biodegradation (WWTP biomass or bacteria) and has high persistence in the environment. Hence, to date, the elimination of this molecule continues to be a subject of interest. This study employs a viable alternative for micropollutant removal. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of selected strain to degrade CLA and their adaptability in multiple cultures with activated sludge. Additionally, the possibility of biostimulation of the activity of microorganisms from the consortium by optimizing their functionality in the biodegradation process of pharmaceutical compound was also examined. The results showed a removal efficiency of CLA of 58.5% when the wet biomass ratio Streptomyces MIUG 4.89: activated sludge was 1:1. This work represents the first study of the ability of multiple cultures Streptomyces MIUG 4.89 and activated sludge to remove this refractory compound