Effects of Selected Pharmaceuticals on Freshwater Algal Biofilms in Different Organic Loads

Abstract

The growth pattern of different algal biofilms investigated in the presence of Ibuprofen and Benzoyl Metronidazole in batch reactors at varying organic loads. Study suggests that the inhibition of algal growth is correlated to organic loads in water rather than the concentrations of PhCs (Pharmaceuticals). Mortality of algae was recorded in BG11 media with binary mixtures of PhCs and no growth inhibition was monitored in the activated sludge with PhCs. These outcomes indicate that the presence of PhCs as pollutants in drinking water have severe effect on algal biofilms due to low organic load thus can alter the aquatic ecosystem. Additionally, PhCs might not adversely hinder the growth of microbes in WWTP (Wastewater Treatment Plants) or in waters with high organic loads. Nevertheless, inference of these results to a full-scale WWTP need more evidence through extensive studies using variable organic substrates and PhCs with numerous ranges of organic loads. These findings suggest that PhCs as water contaminant are able to shift microbial ecology in water bodies.