Removal of psychoactive pharmaceuticals from wastewaters using microbial electrolysis cells producing hydrogen

Abstract

In this study, hydrogen production was analyzed along with methane and carbon dioxide generation using paroxetine, venlafaxine, and o-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) as substrates in single-chamber microbial electrolysis cells (MECs). Combinations of all three drugs were examined at concentrations of 750 ng/mL and 170 ng/mL. At the beginning of MEC operations using a 750 ng/mL mixture of drugs, there was no hydrogen or methane, but carbon dioxide was detected. When the concentration of the drug mixture was reduced to 170 ng/mL, MECs produced hydrogen and methane gas. Removal of the drugs during MEC operations was also analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Paroxetine, venlafaxine and ODV drugs were removed up to 99% by MECs. In conclusion, MECs could offer an alternative treatment method for wastewaters containing psychoactive pharmaceuticals with the added benefit of fuel hydrogen generation. HIGHLIGHTS Psychoactive pharmaceuticals generated hydrogen in microbial electrolysis cells.; 99% of paroxetine, venlafaxine and ODV drugs were removed with MECs.; Cytotoxic analysis was performed on the ECV-304 cell line using the MTT assay.; MECs could be used for wastewater contaminated with psychoactive drugs.; Additionally, simultaneous hydrogen generation could be achieved.;

Keywords

• antidepressant drugs
• hydrogen
• microbial electrolysis cells
• wastewater